/,  2-/. 


1^  PRINCETON,  N.  J.  ^^^T 


BX  7795    .G83  A3  1884 
Gurney,  Eliza  Paul 

Kirkbride,  1801-1881. 
Memoir  and  correspondence 

E'  'nev 


Digitized  by 

the  Internet  Archive 

in  2015 

https://archive.org/details/memoircorrespondOOgurn_0 


MEMOIR 


AND 


JAN  21  1918 


CORRESPONDENCE 


OF 


ELIZA   P.  GURNEY. 


EDITED  BY 

RICHARD   F.  MOTT. 


PH ILADELPHI A  : 

J.  B.  LIPPINCOTT   &  CO. 
1884. 


Copyright,  1884,  by  H.  K.  HowELL. 


INTRODUCTORY. 


The  following  extracts  from  E.  P.  Gurney's  ex- 
tended correspondence  are  submitted  in  the  belief 
that  their  intrinsic  value  will  commend  them  to  the 
approval  of  many  who  appreciate  the  records  of  a 
beautiful  and  consecrated  life.  In  the  pleasant  task 
of  selecting  from  the  mass  of  letters  and  journals 
such  parts  as  seemed  especially  worthy  of  preserva- 
tion, the  editor  desires  gratefully  to  acknowledge  the 
valuable  assistance  of  the  relatives  and  friends  of 
E.  P.  Gurney,  to  whom  her  papers  were  confided, 
and  at  whose  request  the  work  was  undertaken. 
Omitting  very  much  that  might  appear  like  eulogy, 
the  aim  has  been  to  exhibit,  as  much  as  possible  in 
her  own  words  and  those  of  her  intimate  friends,  a 
true  portrait  of  her  rounded  and  symmetrical  char- 
acter. An  expression  of  her  friend,  J.  Bevan  Braith- 
waite,  in  reference  to  Joseph  John  Gurney,  seems 
equally  applicable  to  her :  "  Letters  from  others  to 
him,  or  about  him,  are  likely  to  be  especially  valua- 

3 


4  INTR  OD  UCTOR  Y. 

ble.  A  Christian,  such  at  least  as  he  was,  describing 
himself,  necessarily  dwells  upon  his  infirmities ;  he 
mourns  over  his  shortcomings,  and  seems  hardly 
conscious  of  his  attainments.  Others  looking  on 
see  the  light." 

The  many  allusions  to  seasons  of  affliction  and 
bereavement  which  these  letters  contain,  may  give  to 
the  volume  a  sombre  cast  not  fairly  descriptive  of  the 
life  which  it  is  sought  to  represent, — a  life  which,  both 
in  Europe  and  America,  was  substantially  a  bright 
and  happy  one.  E.  P.  Gurney  was  by  nature  and 
by  grace  well  fitted  to  take  her  place  in  a  circle  of 
which  one  of  its  members  writes  Third  mo.  15th, 
1869,  urging  her  return  to  England:  "Though 
there  has  been  much  to  try  and  humble  us,  thou 
wouldst  not  find  the  family  overwhelmed.  I  think 
they  have  a  wonderful  power  of  looking  at  and 
enjoying  present  blessings,  and  rising  above  sorrow, 
however  deeply  it  may  wound." 

It  is  hoped  that  this  volume  may  recall  more 
freshly  to  the  memory  of  those  who  knew  her,  her 
work  of  faith,  and  labor  of  love,  and  patience  of 
hope;  and  to  some  who  knew  her  not,  may  present 
her  as  the  Christian  lady,  the  thorough  and  con- 
scientious Friend,  the  gifted  and  faithful  minister  of 
the  gospel.  However  she  might  have  shrunk  from 
the  exposure  of  some  of  these  papers,  dealing  with 


INTR  OD  UCTOR  V.  5 

subjects  which  seemed  to  her  almost  sacred,  nothing 
would  have  been  more  grateful  to  her  than  the 
thought  that  the  evidences  of  her  devotion  to  her 
blessed  Master  should  continue  to  extend  in  widen- 
ing circles  of  influence  for  good  after  her  departure. 
Diligent  as  she  was  in  endeavoring  to  "  sow  beside 
all  waters,"  we  may  trust  that 

"  Soon  or  late  a  time  will  come 
When  witnesses  that  now  are  dumb 
With  grateful  eloquence  shall  tell 
From  whom  the  seed  thus  scattered  fell," 

and  that  the  sower  and  the  reapers  may  at  last 
rejoice  together  in  the  harvest  of  the  thirty-,  the 
sixty-,  or  the  hundred-fold. 


Burlington,  N.  J.,  First  mo.,  1884. 


I* 


-  MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE 

OF 

ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


CHAPTER  1. 

Eliza  Paul  Kirkbride  was  the  fifth  daughter  of 
Joseph  and  Mary  Paul  Kirkbride,  of  Philadelphia, 
and  was  born  in  that  city  Fourth  mo.  6th,  1801. 

But  few  memoranda  remain  of  her  early  childhood. 
She  attended  Friends*  Boarding-School  at  Westtown, 
Pennsylvania,  about  three  years,  from  the  age  of 
eleven  to  fourteen.  Two  of  her  schoolmates  at  that 
time  speak  of  her  as  being  remarkably  lovable, 
and  a  great  favorite  with  all  about  her.  Of  quick 
perceptions  and  sanguine  temperament,  her  disposi- 
tion was  characterized  in  early  life  by  an  impulsive- 
ness almost  approaching  impatience.  Her  conclu- 
sions were  rapidly  formed,  and  stated  with  candor 
and  frankness;  a  tendenc}^  which,  under  the  subdu- 
ing influence  of  Divine  grace  in  later  years,  con- 

7 


8  MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


tributed  largely  to  her  effective  service  in  her  field 
of  labor.  The  free  correspondence  among  the 
scholars,  which  was  encouraged  by  the  teachers, 
tended  much  to  promote  the  ready  expression  of 
their  feelings,  and  many  of  these  early  friendships  ^ 
continued  through  life. 

After  leaving  Westtown,  E.  P.  Kirkbride  lived  with 
her  sister,  Frances  M.  Shoemaker,  in  Philadelphia, 
to  whose  house  she  frequently  refers  as  a  most  happy 
home. 

The  most  complete  record  of  this  period  is  con- 
tained in  the  following  journal,  commenced  at  the 
Grove,  near  Norwich,  England,  in  1857,  and  con- 
cluded at  West  Hill,  Burlington,  N.  J. : 

"At  the  urgent  request  of  my  precious  departed 
friend,  H.  C.  Backhouse,  I  once  penned  a  brief  ac- 
count of  my  early  life,  perhaps  two  hundred  pages, 
but  after  it  was  done,  I  so  shrank  from  the  idea  of  its 
falling  into  the  hands  of  a  stranger  or  some  indifferent 
person  who  would  only  criticise  it,  that  I  foolishly 
destroyed  it,  which  I  have  often  regretted  since,  as 
the  history  of  my  life,  if  faithfully  written,  would  pre- 
sent as  remarkable  instances  of  the  pardoning  love 
and  sparing  mercies  of  our  heavenly  Father  as  have 
ever  been  exhibited  in  the  journal  of  any  individual. 
How  often  has  He  renewed  the  visitations  of  His 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  g 

Holy  Spirit,  and  how  again  and  again  have  I  rebelled 
against  Him!  So  that  truly,  in  taking  a  retrospec- 
tive glance  at  my  past  life,  while  I  am  bound  to  ac- 
knowledge gratefully  that  unto  the  Lord  our  God 
belong  mercies  and  forgivenesses,  I  am  also  con- 
strained to  confess  that  unto  me  belongs  nothing  but 
shame  and  confusion  of  face,  for  had  He  not  fol- 
lowed me  all  my  life  with  His  preserving  and  for- 
bearing love,  where  had  I  been?  'Kept  by  the 
power  of  God.'  Then  may  I  bless  and  praise  His 
name  forever. 

"  Among  my  earliest  recollections  is  the  death  of 
my  dearest  mother,  which  occurred,  I  believe,  in 
the  year  1807,  at  which  time  I  was  only  just  six 
years  old ;  yet  I  well  remember  being  carried  by  the 
maid  into  a  darkened  room  to  see  her  dear  remains, 
and  also  the  feeling  of  childish  sympathy  which  I 
had  with  my  precious  father,  whose  sad  and  altered 
countenance  I  fancy  I  can  even  now  recall,  after  an 
interval  of  fifty  years. 

'*  I  have  also  a  most  vivid  recollection  of  his  solemn 
footfall  as  he  paced  with  measured  steps  his  solitary 
chamber,  and  so  strong  was  my  affection  for  this 
honored  parent,  that  I  can  truly  say,  even  to  the 
present  time,  my  heart  has  ached  at  seasons  in  the 
remembrance  of  his  sufferings  at  that  awful  hour. 
He  was  devotedly  attached  to  my  mother,  and  she 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


was  taken  from  him,  as  it  were  in  a  moment,  in  the 
twinkling  of  an  eye,  I  believe  in  her  forty-second 
year,  leaving  him  with  seven  motherless  children, 
the  eldest  not  yet  eighteen  years  of  age.  He  never 
fully  recovered  his  spirits  after  this  sore  bereave- 
ment, though  he  survived  her  loss  about  eight  years. 
My  eldest  sister  took  charge  of  the  family ;  those 
who  were  old  enough  were  sent  to  a  boarding- 
school,  my  younger  sister  and  myself  remaining  at 
home.  In  the  course  of  a  year  or  two,  my  sister 
Frances  (who  had  now  become  a  plain  Friend)  was 
married  to  Dr.  Shoemaker,  and  my  sister  Julia 
came  home  from  school  to  keep  my  father's  house. 
I  have  a  very  pleasant  impression  of  my  childhood. 
It  certainly  was  not  a  time  of  trial  such  as  I  have 
often  heard  this  period  of  life  described  by  others. 
My  father  was  very  indulgent,  though  firm  in  his 
treatment  of  us,  and  I  remember  always  feeling  it  my 
pleasure  as  well  as  duty  to  obey  him.  To  the  best 
of  my  recollection,  he  never  reproved  me  but  once. 
When  a  very  little  girl,  I  had  thrown  myself  on  the 
floor  in  a  pet,  and  was  crying  away  tremendously, 
when  he  observed  with  perfect  quietness,  and  yet 
somewhat  upbraidingly,  *  Don't  be  a  booby.' 

"I  never  shall  forget  the  effect  of  this  rebuke:  it 
calmed  me  instantly;  and  naughty  as  I  may  have 
been  when  out  of  sight,  I  think  my  father  never  saw 


ELIZA  P.  GURXEY. 


II 


me  in  a  pet  again.  Bright  is  my  recollection  of  my 
early  home,  a  sunny,  pleasant  house  on  the  green 
bank  of  the  majestic  Delaware,  with  a  long  grassy 
walk  under  fine  dark,  spreading  cedars.  The  gar- 
dens and  the  orchards,  too,  I  well  remember,  and  the 
large  cellars  filled  with  rosy  apples,  nuts,  sweet  cider, 
and  various  other  tempting  articles,  the  fragrance  of 
which  I  perfectly  recall,  even  at  this  long  distance  of 
time.  Well  do  I  remember,  too,  the  joy  in  the  house 
on  my  sisters'  return  from  boarding-school.  Indeed, 
I  think  a  brighter  or  a  happier  family  party  could 
not  well  be  found.  We  had  few  associates  in  the 
neighborhood,  but  our  friends  and  connections  in  the 
cit}^  were  frequently  with  us,  and  I  may  truly  say  we 
were  never  lonely.  My  eldest  sister  was  settled 
happily  at  Frankford,  about  two  miles  distant,  and 
delightful  it  was  to  welcome  her  and  her  '  belong- 
ings' to  the  homestead. — a  pleasure  which  we  fre- 
quently enjoyed.  How  often  have  I  watched  and 
waited  at  the  window,  with  the  greatest  eagerness,  to 
see  their  carriage  drive  up  to  the  door,  and  seized 
the  first  dear  little  niece  with  fear  and  trembling  lest 
somebody  should  rob  me  of  the  treasure  I  \\'ith  the 
exception  of  my  maternal  grandmother,  my  grand- 
parents were  deceased  before  my  memor}-,  perhaps 
before  my  birth,  but  well  and  vividly  do  I  recall  my 
aged  grandmamma  as  she  sat  by  her  drawing-room 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


window  with  knitting  in  hand,  the  picture  of  peaceful 
content  and  quiet  happiness.  Vividly,  too,  do  I  re- 
call the  cupboard  in  which  she  kept  all  sorts  of 
tempting  things,  and  how  the  pulses  of  my  heart 
were  quickened  when  she  unlocked  its  stores.  I 
think  I  see  her  now,  the  dear  old  lady,  looking  so 
dignified  and  yet  so  sweet  and  kind,  her  house  a 
perfect  pattern  of  good  order,  neatness,  and  (my  im- 
pression is)  of  simple  elegance.  She  was  in  fact  a 
model  housekeeper;  possessing  but  a  moderate  in- 
come, she  lived  in  real  comfort.  My  uncle,  Joseph 
Paul,  a  widower,  resided  with  her  and  her  two  single 
daughters,  Sarah  and  Martha;  the  former  a  most  sen- 
sible, superior  person,  but  rather  deaf  and  in  a  deep 
decline,  which  lasted  several  years.  I  well  remem- 
ber hearing  of  her  peaceful  close  during  my  stay  at 
boarding-school ;  and  sincere  was  the  sorrow  I  felt 
at  the  loss  of  this  beloved  and  honored  relative.  In 
1825  my  uncle  Paul  was  united  in  marriage  to  Han- 
nah Lewis,  a  very  valuable  Friend  and  elder,  who 
served  as  clerk  to  Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting  for 
more  than  twenty  years.  They  were  betrothed  in 
1820,  a  little  while  before  dear  William  Forster's 
visit  to  America ;  but,  as  he  wished  my  uncle  to 
accompany  him  in  the  long  pilgrimage  through 
our  land,  the  marriage  was  deferred  five  years,- — 
surely  a  striking  instance  of  self-sacrifice.   My  uncle, 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  1 3 

Joseph  Paul,  then  took  his  place  as  guardian  to 
his  mother,  and  all  these  days  are  full  of  pleasant 
memories.  Both  my  maternal  uncles,  John  and  Jo- 
seph Paul,  stood  high  in  the  estimation  of  the  com- 
munity. A  valued  Friend  once  remarked  to  me, 
*  There  are  no  two  men  in  Philadelphia  whom  I 
would  place  before  them  for  integrity  and  conscien- 
tiousness,'-and  I  believe  they  well  deserve  this  good 
opinion.  But  I  am  anticipating,  and  must  go  back 
a  little  in  my  history. 

"I  was  born  in  Philadelphia  in  1801,  and  shortly 
afterwards  my  parents  removed  to  Chalkley  Hall, 
— the  former  residence  of  Thomas  Chalkley, — two 
or  three  miles  from  Bridesburg,  which  then  became 
the  happy  home  of  our  family  for  sixteen  years, — a 
home  to  which  my  young  heart  clung  with  great 
tenacity.  We  sometimes  spent  our  winters  in  Phil- 
adelphia, when  I  was  sent  to  a  very  good  school 
kept  by  Elizabeth  Cox  and  her  daughters  ;  one  of 
whom  told  me  some  time  afterwards  she  well  re- 
membered me  a  very  straight,  proud-looking  child, 
to  whom  she  was  at  times  almost  afraid  to  speak, 
though  I  could  only  have  been  eight  or  nine  years 
old.  This  certainly  was  a  mistake,  as  I  am  quite 
unconscious  of  ever  having  such  a  feeling  in  my 
heart;  and  I  believe  that  what  she  called  pride  must 

have  been  a  natural  timidity. 

2 


14        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

"Towards  the  last  of  1810  I  was  sent  to  Westtown 
School,  where  four  of  the  family  had  been  educated 
before  me,  and  my  sister  Harriet  remained  another 
year,  till  my  only  younger  sister  was  ready  to  join 
me.  Here  I  spent  three  years  very  happily,  and 
probably  should  have  continued  longer  but  for  the 
serious  illness  of  my  precious  father,  which  ended  in 
his  death  in  1816.  My  sister  Julia  and  myself  were 
his  constant  attendants,  and  she  had  the  true  comfort 
of  witnessing  his  triumphant  close,  of  which  I  was  my- 
self deprived  in  consequence  of  the  illness  and  death 
of  my  sister  Shoemaker's  little  babe, — a  circumstance 
which  I  think  I  may  say  I  have  never  since  ceased 
to  regret.  It  would  have  been  such  an  especial  priv- 
ilege to  hear  him  speak  of  his  perfect  trust  in  his 
God  and  Saviour,  and  declare  with  his  dying  breath 
that  *  he  would  not  exchansre  the  sweet  feelincr  of 

o  o 

peace  which  filled  his  heart  at  that  solemn  moment 
for  all  the  gold  of  Ophir.'  My  sister  called  it  a 
blessed  translation,  and  said  it  seemed  as  if  the 
gates  of  heaven  were  opened  to  receive  him.  A  few 
months  after  this  our  family  dispersed.  My  brother 
John  married,  and  brought  his  bride  to  our  dear  old 
home ;  my  sisters,  Julia,  Harriet,  Sally  Ann,  and 
myself  going  to  Philadelphia  to  live  with  our  mar- 
ried sisters,  Frances  M.  Shoemaker  and  Mary  Ann 
Williams. 


ELIZA  P.  GURXEY.  1 5 

"  Soon  after,  my  sister  Harriet  was  married  to  A. 
M.  Howell,  a  son  of  Arthur  Howell  (a  well-known 
minister  of  the  Society  of  Friends'),  and  her  house 
became  my  home  until  her  death,  some  six  years 
afterwards,  when  she  was  taken  from  her  husband 
and  three  lovelv  bovs,  in  the  twentv-sixth  vear  of 
her  age.  Her  disease  was  consumption,  and  it  was 
very  instructive  to  observe  the  wonderful  change 
that  was  made  by  long-protracted  suffering  in  this 
once  ga\-  and  joyous  being,  whose  life  seemed  al- 
most like  perpetual  sunshine,  until,  in  His  tender 
mercy,  the  Lord  was  pleased  to  bring  her  low  and 
let  her  see  herself  as  she  was  seen  of  Him.  After 
passing  through  a  baptism  of  suffering  such  as  I 
never  witnessed  in  any  other  instance,  her  purified 
spirit  was  suddenly  introduced  into  the  glorious 
light  and  liberty  of  the  children  of  God.  The  pat- 
tering rain  was  music  in  her  ears,  the  balmy  breezes 
like  the  breath  of  heaven,  and  she  called  upon  us 
all  in  the  most  earnest  and  solemn  manner  to  praise 
the  Lord  for  His  goodness  a;id  for  His  wonderful 
works  to  the  children  of  men. 

"After  her  death  I  had  a  truly  pleasant  and  con- 
genial home  with  my  beloved  and  honored  uncle, 
Joseph  Paul,  who  acted  the  part  of  a  loving  and 
tender  father  until,  in  1829,  he  finished  his  course 
with   jo}',  and  through  the    riches  of  redeeming 


1 6        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


mercy  his  gentle  spirit  was  united  to  the  just  of  all 
generations,  washed  and  made  white  in  the  precious 
blood  of  the  Lamb." 

In  1827,  E.  P.  Kirkbride  entered  into  an  engage- 
ment of  carriage  with  John  L.  Howell,  of  Fancy 
Hill,  near  Woodbury,  N.  J.,  and  a  future  of  great 
promise  appeared  to  await  them.  Of  her  appear- 
ance and  character  at  this  time,  one  of  J.  L.  Howell's 
nieces  writes : 

I  know  when  I  was  a  little  child  your  dear  aunt 
was  constantly  at  our  house  in  Philadelphia;  she  was 
so  lovely  that  they  used  to  laugh  at  my  silent  admi- 
ration of  her.  I  can  recall,  even  after  all  these  years, 
my  going  to  the  nursery  and  telling  them  that 
*  Uncle  John's  pretty  Kirkbride  was  down-stairs  to 
tea.'  Then  she  was  so  gay  and  full  of  bright  and 
happy  spirits." 

J.  L.  Howell  was  a  young  man  of  fine  character 
and  promise,  and  attractive  social  qualities.  Their 
bright  prospects,  however,  were  soon  cfouded  by  his 
failing  health;  and  before  the  close  of  1828  their 
hopes  of  earthly  happiness  were  ended  by  his  death. 
The  letter  proceeds : 

"  My  uncle  died  in  1828.  Your  dear  aunt  went 
down  to  Fancy  Hill  after  his  death,  and  was  with  my 
grandma  some  time.    They  were  such  a  comfort  to 


ELIZA  P.  GURXEY.  1 7 

each  other  ;  and  then  began  the  change  and  deepen- 
ing in  her  religious  views,  which  finally  ripened  into 
the  perfect  character  of  that  long  and  lovely  life." 

A  long  period  elapsed  before  E.  P.  Kirkbride  was 
enabled  to  rise  above  this  crushing  sorrow;  but  bow- 
ing submissively  to  the  stroke,  she  could  at  length 
acknowledge  that  it  was  in  wisdom  that  she  had 
been  afflicted,  and  that  infinite  mercy  had  been 
largely  mingled  with  the  bitter  cup.  Her  own  lan- 
guage was, — 

"  Hush  I  hush  I  my  thoughts  are  resting  on  a  changeless  world  of  bliss ; 
There  is  no  voice  of  gladness  now  can  lure  them  back  to  this ; 
I  look  to  Thee,  Redeemer!    Oh,  be  eveiy  crime  forgiven, 
And  take  the  weary  captive  to  Thy  paradise  in  Heaven  : 
Or  teach  my  heart  resignedly  to  say  '  Thy  will  be  done,' 
And  calmly  wait  Thy  summons  home,  Thou  just  and  Holy  One  ! 
Thou  mayst  have  spoiled  my  cherished  schemes,  to  let  my  spirit  see 
That  happiness  is  only  found,  great  God !  in  serving  Thee." 

In  1830,  Hannah  C.  Backhouse,  a  valuable  minister 
from  England,  accompanied  by  her  husband,  Jona- 
than Backhouse,  came  to  this  country  on  an  extended 
mission  of  gospel  love,  visiting  most  of  the  settle- 
ments of  Friends  in  the  United  States  and  Canada 
during  a  period  of  nearly  five  years.  E.  P.  Kirk- 
bride early  became  deeply  interested  in  the  public 
services  and  personal  attractions  of  this  dear  friend, 

and  the  mutual  attachment  which  sprang  up  between 

2* 


1 3         MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

them  continued  through  life  with  unabated  warmth, 
and  exerted  a  powerful  influence  in  determining  the 
course  of  active  Christian  duty  upon  which  E.  P.  K. 
thenceforward  entered. 

The  exercises  of  her  mind  at  this  time  are  indi- 
cated by  the  following  letters  to  her  friend  : 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

WoODBURNE,  Fifth  mo.  23d,  1 83 1. 
'Tis  in  accordance  with  thy  kind  request,  my 
dearest  friend,  and  truly  so  with  my  own  inclination, 
that  I  embrace  an  early  opportunity  of  thus  renewing 
the  delightful  intercourse  which,  for  the  few  short 
days  that  we  sojourned  together,  yielded  to  me  at 
least  such  new  and  pure  and  heartfelt  happiness. 
Oh,  may  I  never  lose  the  grateful  recollection  of  my 
heavenly  Father's  tenderness  and  care  in  causing 
me,  in  my  first  steppings  in  the  narrow  path  which 
He  marked  out  for  me,  to  meet  with  one  on  whom 
He  has  so  bounteously  bestowed  the  gift  of  healing 
and  of  binding  up  the  broken  heart !  Ah,  no  !  though 
rough  and  rugged  be  my  future  course,  the  memory 
of  this  sweet  "  brook  by  the  way"  which  He  pre- 
pared for  me  will  often  steal  across  my  troubled 
soul,  refreshing,  strengthening  it  and  filling  it  with 
gratitude  to  God.  I  had  an  almost  silent  journey 
home,  my  precious  friend,  and  when  I  stepped  on 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  ig 

the  piazza  my  heart  grew  faint  within  me  at  the 
thought  of  the  sad  change  a  day  had  made  in  our 
late  pleasant  habitation  ;  but  in  a  moment  I  distinctly 
heard  the  sweet  assurance  sounding  in  my  ear,  "  In 
quietness  and  confidence  shall  be  thy  strength ;  in 
returning  and  in  rest  thou  shalt  be  saved,"  and  it 
comforted  and  supported  me  unspeakably. 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

WooDBURNE,  Fifth  mo.  23d,  1 83 1. 

Oh,  the  joy,  the  peace,  in  trusting  and  believing! 
Truly,  my  beloved  friend,  words  fail  me  in  the  attempt 
to  prove  my  thankfulness  to  thee  for  all  the  sweet 
encouragement  thou  hast  held  up  to  me  to  leave  all 
else  and  follow  only  Him,  whose  service  I  am  confi- 
dent must  be  entire  freedom,  perfect  liberty.  The 
world  has  ever  been  a  hard  taskmaster  to  all  who 
have  enlisted  in  its  service,  to  me  it  was  the  worst  of 
tyrants,  for  where  I  serve  at  all,  it  is  with  my  whole 
undivided  heart,  and  truly  I  have  found  my  recom- 
pense for  such  devoted  servitude  to  be  a  chalice  full 
of  gall  and  bitterness.  To-day  I  feel  more  settled, 
and  the  view  before  me  seems  a  more  unclouded  one 
than  I  have  ever  known  before.  Pray  for  me,  dearest 
friend ;  pray  that  my  faith  fail  not. 

Soon  after  the  date  of  this  letter,  at  H.  C.  B.'s 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


particular  request,  E.  P.  K.  accompanied  her  to  New 
England  Yearly  Meeting,  and  continued  with  her  till 
the  last  of  the  Seventh  mo.  But  on  returning  to 
Philadelphia,  some  Friends  thought  it  would  be  neces- 
sary to  have  a  minute  from  the  Monthly  Meeting  if 
she  proceeded  farther;  and  as  she  did  not  feel  pre- 
pared to  ask  for  this,  a  very  valuable  friend  and  elder 
(but  quite  a  stranger  to  H.  C.  B.)  offered  her  services, 
and  set  out  with  J.  and  H.  C.  B.  to  Ohio  Yearly 
Meeting. 

While  thus  separated,  E.  P.  Kirkbride  wrote  fre- 
quently and  with  great  openness  to  H.  C  B. 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  Eighth  mo.  27th,  1831. 
How  gently  does  our  gracious  Master  deal  with 
us!  how  easy  does  He  make  hard  things  appear! 
Last  First  day  morning  I  put  on  my  plain  drab  bon- 
net, and  though  I  cannot  say  it  was  a  cross  to  me,  I 
could  not  help  but  feel  it  was  a  solemn  thing  to  make 
profession  as  it  were  to  the  world  that  I  was  follow- 
ing a  meek  and  crucified  Redeemer,  and  my  whole 
soul  did  supplicate  that  both  in  word  and  deed  I 
might  be  thoroughly  consistent,  wholly  uniform. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


21 


E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  Ninth  mo.  21st,  1831, 
Pray  for  me,  dearest  friend,  pray  that  I  may  be 
kept  from  day  to  day  ;  for,  truly,  I  have  nothing  in 
myself  that  can  preserve  even  for  a  single  hour.  Oh, 
I  do  sometimes  shrink  from  treading  in  the  untried 
path  that  is  before  me  now,  feeling  I  have  no  might, 
no  power  of  my  own,  and  that  my  steppings  at  the 
present  time  are  awfully  important  to  my  future 
peace !  May  an  omniscient  God  watch  over  me 
continually,  for  He  alone  can  make  us  dwell  in 
safety ! 

I  think  this  separation  has  been  good  for  both  of 
us.  I  am  sure  it  has  been  for  me,  and  I  believe  that 
when  we  meet  again,  though  thou  wilt  be  as  dear  to 
me  as  thou  hast  ever  been,  yet  my  affection  for  thee 
will  be  better  regulated,  and  all  things  brought  into 
much  better  order.  It  was  very  sweet  to  me,  when 
friends  were  interceding  for  thy  children,  that  thy 
heart  affectionately  included  me ;  truly,  I  do  feel 
thou  hast  a  right  to  call  me  so,  for  if  I  am  but  faith- 
ful to  what  thou  hast  shown  me  to  be  right,  thou 
wilt  have  done  far  more  for  me  than  any  earthly 
friend  has  ever  done  ;  if,  under  grace,  I  owe  thee  my 
eternal  happiness  or  my  hope  of  it,  no  wonder  thou 
art  dear  to  me,  even  as  my  own  soul. 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  First  mo.  6th,  1832. 
My  beloved  Mother, — The  entire  spirit  of  thy 
last  sweet  letter,  dated  the  30th  of  Eleventh  mo.,  is 
so  decidedly  maternal  that,  having  just  concluded 
reading-  it,  I  felt  constrained  to  address  thee  by 
this  most  endearing  of  all  appellations ;  and,  as  thou 
sayest,  I  feel  so  much  like  an  adopted  child  to  thee, 
I  am  persuaded  that  I  could  not  love  thee  more  if 
thou  in  very  truth  hadst  been  my  mother.  Some- 
times, indeed,  I  have  feared  thou  hast  too  great  a 
hold  on  my  affections  ;  and  yet  I  verily  believe  that, 
truly  kind  as  thou  hast  been  to  me,  and  much,  too, 
as  our  tastes  assimilate  and  all  our  feelings  are  in 
unison,  I  love  thee  more  for  thy  devotedness  to 
the  service  of  our  blessed  Lord  than  for  any  other 
cause.  Oh,  may  our  union  ever  be  in  Him  !  begun 
in  Time,  perfected  in  Eternity. 

Soon  after  the  last  letter  was  penned  J.  and 
H.  C.  B.  returned  to  Philadelphia  to  attend  the 
Yearly  Meeting,  at  the  conclusion  of  which  E.  P.  K. 
obtained  a  minute  from  her  Monthly  Meeting  to  ac- 
company her  beloved  friend  through  the  remainder 
of  her  mission  to  this  country,  if  Truth  should  open 
the  way.    Accordingly,  in  the  Fifth  mo.  they  set 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  33 

out  for  Virginia,  and,  after  spending  some  weeks  in 
the  neighborhood  of  Richmond  (Indiana),  including 
the  attendance  of  the  Yearly  Meeting  there,  they 
proceeded  to  New  England,  where  they  remained 
many  months  visiting  families,  holding  meetings,  etc. 

The  providential  escape  from  death  noted  in  the 
following  letter  occurred  during  this  visit : 

E.  P.  K.  to  her  Sister. 

Yarmouth,  Mass.,  Second  mo.,  1833. 
...  J.  Backhouse  having  left  us  near  Sandwich 
last  First  day  to  attend  some  Quarterly  Meetings  to 
the  East,  we  slept  together,  and  early  in  the  evening 
asked  the  friend  with  whom  we  lodged  if  she  could 
let  us  have  a  fire  in  our  chamber,  to  which  she  an- 
swered that  there  had  never  been  one,  and  she 
thought  the  chimney,  being  new,  would  very  likely 
smoke,  but  she  would  put  a  pan  of  coals  on  the 
hearth  and  make  us  comfortable.  The  pan  or  fur- 
nace was  a  large  one,  and  we  went  to  bed  feeling  the 
room  was  warm,  but  not  the  least  suspecting  there 
was  danger.  We  soon  fell  asleep,  and  about  twelve 
o'clock  H.  C.  B.  woke  me,  saying  she  was  very  faint, 
and  begging  me  to  raise  the  window  quickly.  I 
instantly  sprang  out  of  bed,  but  found  I  was  myself 
so  nearly  gone  I  had  to  throw  myself  against  the 
wall  to  keep  from  falling,  and  soon  perceiving  by 


24        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

the  shortness  and  suspension  of  her  breath  that  she 
had  fainted  quite,  fright  gave  me  strength,  and  as  I 
was  in  total  darkness  and  could  not  find  the  door,  I 
pounded  with  my  elbows  on  the  wall  until  my 
strength  gave  out  and  I  fell  senseless  on  the  floor. 
The  noise,  however,  had  aroused  our  hostess,  and 
coming  up  to  our  door,  she  thought  she  heard  us 
whispering  within,  and  thinking  all  was  safe,  con- 
cluded she  would  not  disturb  us ;  but  as  she  turned 
to  go  down-stairs,  she  felt  so  uneasy  she  came 
quickly  back  again,  and  opening  the  door,  let  in  the 
air,  and  thus  restored  that  breath  and  life  to  us 
which,  had  she  not  returned,  might  possibly  have 
been  extinct  forever.  It  was  the  most  awfully  alarm- 
ing night  I  ever  knew.  I  feel  we  have  been  merci- 
fully cared  for,  and  are  bound  to  acknowledge  grate- 
fully the  guardian  care  of  that  all-seeing  eye  which 
slumbers  not. 

In  the  spring  of  1833,  E.  P.  Kirkbride  paid  a  visit  to 
her  friends  in  Philadelphia,  leaving  H.  C.  B.  at  Provi- 
dence under  the  care  of  William  and  Anna  Jenkins. 

In  the  Fifth  mo.  she  rejoined  her  beloved  friend 
in  New  England,  and  continued  with  her  till  the 
autumn  of  1835,  when  H.  C.  B.  returned  to  England, 
having  visited  seventeen  States  of  the  Union  and 
spent  eight  months  in  Upper  Canada. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  25 

Their  correspondence  was  steadily  maintained 
during  the  next  two  years. 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  Eleventh  mo,  20th,  1835. 
Unfaithfuhiess !  oh,  what  a  clog  it  is !  how  easy 
to  resolve,  how  hard  to  execute !  In  looking  back 
upon  our  journey,  and  writing  bitter  things  against 
myself,  which  I  invariably  do  when  so  employed, 
the  thought  of  Peter  has  a  little  cheered  me.  How 
quick  he  was  to  promise,  though  all  should  be 
offended  because  of  their  blessed  Lord,  yet  would  he 
never  be,  and  when  informed  by  Him  who  knew  the 
heart,  "  Before  the  cock  crow  twice  thou  shalt  deny 
me  thrice,"  he  spoke  vehemently,  "Though  I  die 
with  thee  I  will  not  deny  thee."  Yel  when  his 
Master's  soul  was  sorrowful,  even  unto  death  (di- 
rectly after  this),  and  He  commanded  him  to  watch 
and  pray,  we  find  he  slept  because  his  eyes  were 
heavy.  What  must  his  feelings  at  that  hour  have 
been  when  his  Lord  tenderly  rebuked  him  thus : 
"Simon,  sleepest  thou?  couldst  thou  not  watch  with 
me  one  hour?"  Then  as  though  feeling  for  our 
great  infirmities :  "  The  spirit  indeed  is  willing  but 
the  flesh  is  weak."  And  when  he  denied  Him  and 
his  Lord  turned  round  and  looked  upon  him,  no 
wonder  he  went  out  and  wept  so  bitterly.    It  does 

3 


26         MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


not  seem  to  me  an  upbraiding  look,  but  rather  one 
that  said,  "  Ah,  Simon,  I  knew  thee  better  than 
thou  knew  thyself,  and  I  have  suffered  thee  to  be 
thus  tempted  that  thou  mightest  be  thoroughly  ac- 
quainted with  the  weakness  and  depravity  of  thine 
own  heart,  and  know  that  of  thyself  thou  canst  in- 
deed do  nothing." 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  Twelfth  mo.  26th,  1835. 
To-day  my  mind  is  stayed  and  quieted  in  a  sweet 
feeling  that  the  world  gives  not,  under  the  precious 
influence  of  which  we  are  enabled  to  feel  gratitude 
of  heart  for  every  dispensation  that  we  have  to  pass 
through,  however  painful  some  of  these  may  be,  trust- 
ing they  tend  to  forward  us  upon  our  journey  to 
that  state  of  fixedness  where  disappointment  and 
anxiety  can  never  come.  In  this  sweet  sense  of 
resignation  to  our  Father's  will  the  mind  can  form 
a  truer  estimate  of  the  brief  moment  that  we  tarry 
here,  the  transitory  nature  of  our  griefs  and  joys, 
and  though  it  be  but  through  a  glass  and  darkly, 
have  some  faint  glimpses  of  that  better  world  whose 
joys  are  perfect  and  eternal  too.  Here,  my  sweet 
friend,  we  may  at  least  believe  (if  we  continue  in  the 
blessed  Truth)  we'll  meet  again,  to  part  (oh,  joyful 
thought !)  no  more  forever. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY, 


27 


E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  First  mo.  8th,  1836. 
.  .  .  Oh,  truly,  it  will  be  a  comfort  when  we  can 
settle  down  in  harmony  and  quiet  once  again,  and 
feel  that  we  indeed  "  owe  no  man  anything  but  to 
love  one  another!"  My  prayer  has  been  for  thee,  my 
precious  friend,  that  thou  mayst  still  be  kept  in  that 
pavilion  which  truly  is  above  the  strife  of  tongues, 
in  which  thou  hast  assuredly,  found  safety  during 
thy  tarriance  on  our  shores  even  in  a  very  dark  and 
cloudy  day. 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  First  mo.  17th,  1836. 
.  .  .  Do,  dearest,  in  thy  low,  discouraged  moments, 
think  of  this  :  remember  that  in  working:  ric^hte- 
ousness  thou  art  doing  only  half  of  thy  allotted 
business,  for  the  Apostle's  exhortation  is  "  Rejoice 
alway."  The  Psalmist  bids  the  righteous  not  only 
be  glad,  but  shout  for  joy.  I  do  not  know  why  I 
have  written  thus,  but  I  have  often  longed  thou 
mightest  be  more  unvaryingly  cheerful,  and  not 
write  bitter  things  against  thyself  For  in  the 
tabernacles  of  the  righteous  we  are  told  the  voice 
of  gladness  and  rejoicing  is, — so  surely  it  may  be 
heard  in  yours. 


28         MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B.,  on  the  Decease  of  her 
Youngest  Son,  Henry. 

Philadelphia,  Fifth  mo.  29th,  1836. 

I  have  received  thy  sweet  though  tenderly  affect- 
ing letter,  my  own  dear  friend,  and  truh^  you  have 
had  my  heartfelt  sympatliy,  for  this  I  am  sure  has 
been  no  light  affliction. 

Oh,  how  my  heart  has  ached  for  each  and  all  of 
3^ou  !  But,  my  dear  friend,  I  have  also  rejoiced  in 
that  the  God  of  all  true  consolation  has  been  mani- 
festly near,  enabling,  in  a  furnace  such  as  this,  to 
glorify  His  great  and  holy  name.  Oh,  you  have 
proved  indeed  "  The  Lord  is  good,  a  stronghold  in 
the  day  of  trouble,  and  that  He  knoweth  those  who 
trust  in  Him  !"  How  precious  must  have  been  the 
seasons  round  the  bed  of  death  !  Oh,  I  remember 
such  among  the  most  rejoicing  of  my  life !  Yes,  'tis 
at  favored  moments  such  as  these  the  awful  veil 
which  seems  to  cover  the  eternal  world,  in  pity  to 
our  weakness,  is  uplifted,  and  we  behold  as  with  the 
eye  of  faith  the  heavens  opened,  and  the  Son  of 
man,  Jesus  our  Mediator,  sitting  on  the  right  hand 
of  God  ;"  and  then  while  burdened  with  infirmities 
and  feeling  that  we  have  no  righteousness  of  our 
own  to  trust  to,  these  glorious  truths  with  sweet 
appropriation  are  in  love  brought  home  to  us :  "  It 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  29 

is  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  that  cleanseth  from  all 
sin  ;"  "  He  is  the  resurrection  and  the  life ;  they  that 
believe  in  Him  shall  never  die."  We  seem  as  for  the 
first  time  to  comprehend  the  blessed  import  of  the  in- 
vocation of  the  Son  of  God,  and  feel  that  the  believers 
in  His  name,  though  parted  for  a  little  season  here, 
will,  in  a  world  that  is  unchangeable,  unite  again,  for- 
ever and  forever,  to  ascribe  high  praises  unto  God 
and  to  the  Lamb :  "  Father,  I  will  that  they  whom 
Thou  hast  given  me  be  with  me  where  I  am  ;"  "  I 
pray  for  them;"  "As  Thou  in  me  and  I  in  Thee, 
that  they,  O  Father,  may  be  one  in  us." 

How  sweet  to  think  of  your  beloved  boy  retiring 
daily  to  renew  his  strength  !  Oh,  my  dear  friends, 
the  wing  of  heavenly  goodness  has  surely  over- 
spread the  precious  lambs  whom  you  committed  to 
your  Master's  care,  and  His  own  promise  has  been 
sweetly  verified  :  "  Leave  your  fatherless  children  ;  I 
will  preserve  them  alive;"  for  I  believe  it  embraces 
those  who  for  a  little  period  are  made  orphans  for 
His  own  Truth's  sake,  and  that  it  has  been  wonder- 
fully fulfilled  to  such  as  are  made  permanently  so,  in 
wisdom  infinite  although  inscrutable,  thousands  can 
testify,  and  my  own  heart  does  at  this  moment 
witness  to  the  fact,  my  own  dear,  precious  friend, 
remembering  all  that  thou  hast  been  to  me. 

3* 


30        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

In  1836,  in  response  to  urgent  and  repeated  invi- 
tations, E.  P.  Kirkbride  paid  a  visit  to  H.  C.  Back- 
house, in  England,  and  while  there  accompanied  her 
in  a  religious  visit  to  Scotland  and  the  north  of  Eng- 
land. She  thus  describes  her  first  visit  to  Earlham, 
afterwards  the  centre  of  such  deep  and  varied  in- 
terests to  her,  in  company  with  Elizabeth  Fry,  the 
sister  of  Joseph  John  Gurney : 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Grove,  Fourth  mo.  1837. 
But  I  must  tell  you  of  our  day  at  Earlham ;  in  the 
first  place  thy  cousin  Fry  was  there,  and  I  did  thor- 
oughly enjoy  her  company.  Directly  after  we  had 
taken  off  our  bonnets  she  said  she  must  show  me  all 
the  interests,  and  we  sallied  forth.  The  first  sight  of 
Earlham,  a  place  of  which  one  has  heard  so  long  and 
so  much,  is  something  like  the  first  view  of  Niagara, 
rather  overpowering,  especially  after  reading  Priscilla 
Gurney's  journal,  and  I  can  scarcely  tell  thee  what 
my  feelings  were  when  dear  Elizabeth  Fry  showed 
me  the  likeness  of  her  father  and  described  him  to 
me,  told  me  how  many  happy  days  they  had  enjoyed 
together,  what  varied  scenes  they  had  since  witnessed 
there,  and  pointed  out  the  room  in  which  poor  Mary 
Gurney  closed  her  eyes  forever  upon  the  loving  circle 
and  bright  scene  around  her.    I  trust  that  my  reflec- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  3 1 

tions  altogether,  though  of  a  serious  kind,  were  not 
unprofitable.  Often,  in  hearing  of  that  family  being 
left  so  young  without  a  mother's  tender  but  restrain- 
ing influence,  without  the  gentle  government  by 
love,  which  none  except  a  mother  knows  how  to  ex- 
ercise, I  have  been  reminded  of  the  lively  group  that 
used  to  circle  round  my  father's  hearth;  and  now,  re- 
membering how  dispersed  and  scattered  were  the 
happy  band  whose  merry  voices  had  in  other  days 
resounded  joyously  within  these  walls,  it  brought 
before  me  rather  painfully  our  own  changed,  broken 
household  and  deserted  home. 

First,  I  must  tell  thee  I  thought  it  quite  a  "  place," 
admired  the  old  house  and  grounds  exceedingly,  and 
think  that  when  the  foliage  is  on  the  trees  it  must 
be  beautiful.  Whilst  E.  F.  was  conducting  me  up- 
stairs she  stopped  abruptly  and  exclaimed,  How 
very  strange  that  I  should  show  thee  Earlham,  and 
how  very  pleasant  too !"  I  told  her  it  was  truly  so 
to  me,  and  she  assured  me  with  her  wonted  kindness 
that  meeting  me  had  been  a  bright  spot  in  her  visit 
here,  and  that  no  one  before  had  half  so  much  en- 
couraged her  about  her  brother's  going  to  America. 
Now  don't  begin  to  think  I  am  in  danger  of  being 
hurt  by  all  these  kind  expressions.  I  have  had  some 
experience  in  life  and  learned  to  weigh  things  in,  I 
believe,  a  pretty  just  and  equal  balance,  and  it  is  not 
0 


22         MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

enough  to  think  what  things  are  said,  but  who  has 
said  them,  too.  Thus  dear  E.  F.,  out  of  the  abundant 
kindness  of  her  heart,  says  very  much  that  frail  hu- 
manity Hkes  well  to  hear,  but  which  indeed  means 
nothing  more  than  what  my  dear  and  truthful  friend 
H.  C.  B.  would  sum  up,  in  her  own  laconic  style,  in 
one  or  two  abrupt  sentences. 

After  a  delightful  and  comforting  visit,  E.  P.  Kirk- 
bride  returned  to  America  in  the  Seventh  mo.,  1837. 
Joseph  John  Gurney,  of  Norwich,  crossed  in  the 
same  vessel,  in  pursuance  of  a  prospect  of  extensive 
religious  service,  for  which  he  had  been  liberated 
by  his  friends.  The  wide  experience  which  E.  P. 
Kirkbride  had  gained  during  her  long  travels  with 
H.  C.  Backhouse  enabled  her  to  give  valuable  in- 
formation and  counsel  to  J.  J.  Gurney  respecting  the 
prosecution  of  his  journey  over  very  similar  ground. 
Arrived  in  Philadelphia,  she  resumed  an  active  cor- 
respondence with  H.  C.  Backhouse  and  her  now 
largely-extended  circle  of  English  friends.  Her 
letters  bear  testimony  to  the  deepening  work  of 
Divine  grace  in  her  soul,  and  her  earnest  desire  to 
submit  herself  wholly  to  its  purifying  and  renewing 
power. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


33 


E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Pfiiladelphia,  Twelfth  mo.  9th,  1837. 
Thy  earnest  wishes  for  me  were  truly  sweet  to  me, 
and  I  may  say  to  thee,  the  fervent  breathing  of  my 
spirit  is  that  the  whole  will  of  my  Almighty  Father 
may  be  done,  and  that  He  may  enable  me  to  glorify 
His  holy  name,  be  it  by  life  or  death.  I  never  felt 
so  free  from  all  anxiety  about  the  future,  nor  less 
disposed  to  carve  and  plan  and  fashion  for  myself, 
trusting  that  He  who  has  so  gently  dealt  with  me 
my  whole  life  long  will  still  direct  my  steps.  My 
spirit  is  at  times  contrited  in  me  under  a  sense  of 
His  preserving  care,  which  has  so  sweetly  sheltered 
me  thus  far  from  many  of  the  rougher  ills  of  life 
which  flesh  is  heir  to,  and  which  I  feel  I  could  so  ill 
bear.  'Tis  true  I  have  seen  some  dull  and  cloudy 
days,  but  in  the  darkest  hour  I  have  known  "  a  bow 
of  promise  sweetly  spanned  the  storm," — not  prom- 
ise truly  of  bright  moments  here,  but  of  a  better 
and  a  happier  home  prepared  for  the  redeemed,  for 
those  who,  serving  faithfully  their  Lord,  can  with  the 
eye  of  faith  look  past  the  night  of  gloominess  and 
woe  to  where  the  morning  dawns  without  a  cloud. 
May  we  be  found,  my  very  precious  friend,  among 
the  unnumbered  multitude  who  worship  there,  and 


34        MEMOIR  AND  CORR ESPOXDEXCE  OF 

join  in  hallelujahs  unto  Him  who  sitteth  on  the 
throne  and  to  the  Lamb  forever. 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  Fourth  mo.  215!:,  1838. 

During  a  family  sitting  at  my  brother's  house,  a 
highly-gifted  minister  addressed  me  very  remarkably 
in  language  of  which  I  give  thee  an  abstract: 

"  I  feel  it  no  light  matter  to  address  thee,  my 
endeared  sister,  being  deeply  impressed  with  the 
conviction  that  thou  art  under  the  preparing  hand 
of  thy  God,  that  He  is  fitting  thee  for  a  remarkable 
service  in  His  Church  and  family.  I  do  not  know 
how  it  has  been  with  thee  in  early  days,  but  my  im- 
pression is  thou  hast  been  under  the  especial,  provi- 
dential, and  preserving  care  of  thy  Almighty  Father 
all  thy  life  long,  that  He  has  visited  thy  soul  in  very 
early  life  with  His  day-spring  from  on  high,  and 
given  thee  to  see  and  to  admire  the  beauty  and  the 
excellency  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  ;  and  though 
thou  sometimes  may  have  turned  thy  back  upon 
His  visitations,  which  since  has  caused  thee  deep 
humiliation  before  the  Lord,  at  others  I  believe  the 
language  of  thy  spirit  was  "  If  I  forget  thee,  O  Jeru- 
salem,' "  etc. 


ELIZA  P.  GURXEY. 


35 


E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  Fifth  mo.  17th,  1S38. 
Oh,  how  I  long  for  thy  soothing  sympathy!  and 
were  it  not  for  a  sustaining  sense  which  has  at  times 
been  mercifulh*  given  me  that  we  all  have  a  glorious 
High  Priest,  touched  with  a  feeling  of  our  great  in- 
firmities, who  does  compassionate  our  low  estate,  I 
think  I  should  have  fainted  by  the  way.  But  ver\- 
sweet  have  been  the  consolations  of  His  holy  spirit, 
even  in  proportion,  I  have  sometimes  thought,  to  my 
entire  destitution  of  all  outward  aid.  Oh,  it  is  good 
for  us,  I  do  believe,  thus  to  be  thrown  singly  upon 
the  love  and  power  of  God,  that  He  may  satisfy  the 
thirsting  soul  with  the  pure  pleasures  of  an  endless 
life,  at  least  a  ver\'  blessed  foretaste  of  them,  on 
which  it  is  sustained  for  many  da\*s.  Such,  I  may 
say  to  thee,  has  been  my  sweet  experience  of  latter 
time,  and  never  have  I  felt  my  will  so  swallowed  up 
in  earnest  prayer  that  the  Divine  will  may  alone  be 
done,  whether  for  joy  or  sorrow,  life  or  death,  finding 
a  home  with  thee,  or  seeing  thy  dear  face  again  no 
more. 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

WooDBURN,  Seventh  mo.  2Sth,  1838. 
"  ]\Iay  the  Lord  lift  up  the  light  of  His  countenance 
upon  thee  and  give  thee  peace,"  as  well  I  know  that 


36        MEMOIR  A. YD  CORRESPOXDEXCE  OF 

only  in  Him  canst  thou  enjoy  peace.  The  perfect 
quietude  and  deep  tranquillity  of  my  own  spirit  are 
cause  of  astonishment  to  myself ;  knowing  such  feel- 
ings usually  betoken  an  approaching  storm,  they 
make  me  feel  a  good  deal  serious,  but  all  anxiety 
about  the  morrow  seems  mercifully  to  be  taken  from 
me.  A  few  days  since,  on  waking  from  a  nap,  one  of 
those  fearful  thougrhts  about  the  future  that  used  to 
cause  me  such  uneasiness  flashed  through  my  mind, 
but  in  a  moment  these  words  appeared  to  be  dis- 
tinctly uttered,  "  It  is  in  the  hands  of  the  Lord,"  and 
a  confidino;  trust  that  He  would  order  all  thincrs  well 
stilled  ever}'  feeling  of  anxiety.  This  surely  is  the 
working  of  Almighty  power,  for  of  myself  I  am  a 
very  coward,  and  dare  not  face  a  single  adverse 
storm.  He  "  who  tempers  the  wind  to  the  shorn 
lamb"  onh'  knows  what  the  dread  of  them  has  cost 
me,  and  for  awhile  has  graciously  withdrawn  it. 
"  Let  all  flesh  bless  His  holy  name  forever." 

During  this  year  E.  P.  Kirkbride  first  appeared 
publicly  in  supplication  and  ministry  at  her  own 
meeting.  She  thus  describes  the  exercises  of  her 
mind  in  contemplating  this  requirement,  and  the 
peace  which  followed  her  obedience  to  the  call : 


ELIZA  P,  GURNEY. 


37 


E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

WooDBURN,  Eighth  mo.  i8th,  1838. 

Thou  knowest  that  I  told  thee  some  years  ago  I 
had  such  an  insurmountable  and  fearful  dread  of 
having  to  appear  in  public  as  a  minister.  I  often 
prayed  my  life  might  be  accepted  in  the  place  of  this 
to  me  far  costlier  sacrifice.  I  cannot  say  what  suffer- 
ing the  thought  of  this  requiring  has  often  caused 
me.  After  a  time,  however,  it  abated,  and  I  became 
almost  indifferent  upon  the  subject;  but  for  a  few 
months  past,  may  I  confess  to  thee,  my  foster-mother, 
I  have  almost  longed  to  tell  of  the  redeeming  love 
and  mercy  of  my  heavenly  Father  to  my  own  poor 
soul.    The  language  of  my  heart  has  often  been, 

Lord,  open  thou  my  lips,  and  my  mouth  shall  show 
forth  Thy  praise."  Do  tell  me  what  thou  thinks  of 
such  a  change.  I  am  sometimes  almost  ready  to 
conclude  the  will  has  been  accepted  for  the  deed, 
and  that  no  more  will  be  required  of  me.  I  dreamed 
the  other  night  that,  in  great  weakness  and  sim- 
plicity, I  uttered  a  few  sentences  in  meeting,  and,  oh  ! 
the  full  sweet  tide  of  holy  joy  that  flowed  into  my 
bosom  afterward  ! 


4 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  Ninth  mo.  17th,  1838. 
Oh,  if  I  could  but  live  in  some  snug  spot,  with  just 
a  few  dear-loved,  congenial  friends  about  me,  I  should 
be  quite  as  happy  as  'twere  safe  to  be;  but  I  have 
sometimes  thought  in  my  formation  the  nerves  were 
left  without  the  usual  shield,  and  being  thus  exposed 
and  unprotected,  so  surely  as  I  come  into  the  bust- 
ling world  again  so  sure  are  they  to  get  some  fear- 
ful jar.  Oh,  most  assuredly  if,  through  the  match- 
less mercy  of  my  heavenly  Father,  I  ever  wear  the 
ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,  no  one  of  all 
His  rational  creation  can  have  more  cause  to  give 
Him  all  the  glory,  for  the  infirmities  of  flesh  and 
spirit  were  never  made  more  manifest  in  any  crea- 
ture. 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  Tenth  mo.  8ih,  1838. 
Well,  my  dear  friend,  in  our  large  morning  meet- 
ing yesterday  thy  unworthy  child  was  constrained  (as 
she  believes,  by  the  love  of  Christ)  to  supplicate  the 
throne  of  grace,  and  was  enabled,  not  surely  by  any 
might  of  her  own,  but  by  the  power  of  the  Highest, 
to  do  it  calmly  and  distinctly.  Praised  be  His  holy 
name  forever !    I  went  to  meeting  without  any  ap- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  , 

prehension  of  such  a  requiring  at  that  time,  but  in 
a  h'ttle  while  the  impression  on  my  mind  was  very- 
strong  that  if  I  left  the  meeting  without  making  a 
surrender  I  should  suffer  for  unfaithfulness,  and  I 
besought  my  heavenly  Father  to  give  me  some  un- 
equivocal intimation  that  it  was  indeed  His  own 
requisition,  and  that  this  was  the  period  for  yielding 
to  it,  which,  in  gracious  condescension  to  my  weak- 
ness I  believe,  He  was  pleased  to  do.  M.  A.  Lo\'d 
soon  rose,  observing  that  if  some  present  were  fully 
faithful  she  believed  their  lips  would  be  touched 
with  a  live  coal  from  the  altar,  then  spoke  of  the 
danger  of  delay,  quoting  the  passage,  "  To-day,  if  ye 
will  hear  His  voice,"  etc.,  and  ending  with  that  beau- 
tiful verse  in  Isaiah :  Look  upon  Zion,  the  city  of 
our  solemnities;  thine  eyes  shall  see  Jerusalem  a 
quiet  habitation,"  etc.  As  soon  as  she  took  her  seat 
I  felt  that  I  must  give  up,  and  truly  I  may  say  that 
from  that  moment  to  this  my  heart  has  overflowed 
with  love  and  peace  and  gratitude  to  Him  who  won- 
derfully condescends  to  make  hard  things  easy  and 
bitter  things  sweet;  nay,  I  might  almost  say  that 
which  my  soul  loathed  has  become  my  pleasant 
food.  But,  oh !  my  mother  in  the  truth,  I  cannot 
describe  the  sense  of  awfulness  which  has  been  and 
still  is  the  covering  of  my  spirit, — the  holy  fear  (may 
I  not  call  it  so)  of  proving,  by  an  inconsistent  walk 


40        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

or  any  deviation  from  the  narrow  path,  a  stumbling- 
block  instead  of  a  way-mark  to  Zion.  Pray  for  me 
that  I  may  be  kept  as  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  and  that 
the  preserving  fear  of  God  may  encompass  me  about 
from  hour  to  hour,  for  herein  only  there  is  perfect 
safety.  Oh,  how  I  longed  for  thee  yesterday !  I 
thought  thy  sympathy  would  be  so  sweet  to  me. 
But  yet  I  do  believe  it  is  all  rightly  ordered ;  better 
I  should  be  cast  alone  upon  that  Power  which  can 
and  has  sustained  me,  enabling  me  to  adopt  the  lan- 
guage of  the  dear  Redeemer  (even  in  the  midst  of 
much  apparent  destitution),  And  yet  I  am  not  alone, 
for  the  Father  is  with  me;"  "And  where  He  vital 
breathes,  there  must  be  joy."  So  do  not  be  con- 
cerned about  me.  I  have  many  kind  friends  here, 
and  several  have  already  been  to  see  me,  and  thou 
knowest  His  promise  is  that  no  good  thing  will  He 
withhold  from  those  that  love  Him."  Oh,  that  I 
may  be  enabled  to  do  so  with  my  whole  heart  and 
mind  and  strength,  that  so  at  the  conclusion  of  my 
mortal  pilgrimage,  having  kept  the  faith,  I  may  re- 
ceive the  blessed  sentence  of  "  Well  done,  enter 
thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord."  I  do  not  wish  to 
dwell  much  longer  upon  the  subject,  for  I  believe  it 
will  not  be  profitable  to  my  own  mind,  but  I  will 
just  say  that  much  of  my  time  was  spent  in  my  own 
room  yesterday,  and  though  I  passed  some  wakeful 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 

hours  in  the  night,  they  were  extremely  quiet  ones, 
nay,  almost  joyful.  I  must  also  tell  thee  that  at  the 
last  little  meeting  I  attended  at  Woodburn,  the  fol- 
lowing text  so  seriously  impressed  my  mind  that  I 
believed  I  ought  to  have  repeated  it :  Foxes  have 
holes,  and  birds  of  the  air  have  nests,  but  the  Son  of 
Man  hath  not  where  to  lay  His  head."  I  think  it 
was  not  withheld  by  any  unwillingness  on  my  part, 
but  I  had  been  so  light  in  the  intercourse  I  had  had 
with  the  neighbors,  that  I  felt  as  if  there  would  be 
an  inconsistency  in  it,  and  left  the  meeting  not  quite 
comfortable.  This  served,  however,  as  a  lesson  for 
me,  and  showed  me  the  necessity  of  being  serious. 
Ah,  surely  it  becomes  us  to  be  so,  when  we  know 
not  what  an  hour  may  bring  forth. 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  Tenth  mo.  12th,  1838. 
My  younger  friends  have  been  very  kind  to  me, 
and  I  have  never  been  more  sensible  of  the  suffi- 
ciency of  His  support,  who  is  and  must  be  our  all 
in  all ;  so  do  not  be  the  least  concerned  about  me. 
"  The  work  it  is  His,"  and  the  desire  of  my  soul  is 
that  He  may  perfect  it  to  His  praise,  whatever  be 
the  suffering  it  may  cost.  If  in  the  end  of  our 
checkered  pilgrimage  we  can  but  say  with  our 
blessed  Pattern,     I  have  finished  the  work  which 

4* 


42         MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

Thou  gavest  me  to  do,"  all  else  thou  knowest,  my 
mother  in  the  truth,  will  be  as  light  as  air  and  very 
vanity.  That  this  may  be  the  experience  of  us  both 
is  the  sincere  desire  of  thy  own  friend  in  gospel 
fellowship. 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  Eleventh  mo.  9th,  1838. 
Could  my  solitary  chamber  find  a  voice  it  might 
inform  thee,  my  beloved  mother,  not  only  of  the 
many  moments  of  extreme  peacefulness  that  thy  far- 
distant  E.  has  lately  passed  through,  but  also  of  the 
agony  of  soul  which  is  at  times  her  very  bitter  por- 
tion, the  wormwood  and  the  gall  which  at  this  very 
hour  she  is  partaking  of.  Truly,  the  desolation  and 
the  loneliness  thou  speaks  of  have  brought  floods 
of  sorrow  from  my  eyes.  Oh,  how  my  heart  has 
longed  for  some  dear  friend,  whose  sympathy  might 
soothe  and  strengthen  me  !  How  I  have  longed  for 
intimate  companionship  with  even  one  who  seemed 
as  if  he  or  she  really  comprehended  me  !  How  I 
have  longed  for  thee  !  For  though  I  am  bound  to 
acknowledge  thankfully  my  heavenly  Father  has 
been  very  near,  sustaining  by  His  love  and  power 
in  a  most  marvellous  manner  day  by  day,  I  may 
also  say  that  there  are  moments  of  discouragement 
when  my  heart  aches  most  painfully  under  a  sense 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  4^ 

of  its  exceeding  loneliness,  and  were  it  not  that  I 
can  pour  out  my  full  soul  to  Him  who  is  indeed  a 
refuge  for  us,  I  know  not  what  would  have  become 
of  me. 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  Eleventh  mo.  13th,  1838. 
I  wrote  the  above,  as  thou  wilt  see,  while  in  a  state 
of  very  deep  depression,  which,  no  doubt  for  some 
wise  and  gracious  purpose,  was  for  a  season  meted 
out  to  me ;  but  I  ma\'  gratefully  record  on  this  same 
page  that  He  who  will  not  suffer  any  to  be  tried 
above  what  they  are  able  to  endure  has  once  again 
arisen  on  my  soul,  even  as  a  morning  without  a 
cloud.  Oh,  for  a  voice  to  praise  Him  as  I  ought! 
And  may  He  strengthen  me  to  lie  quite  passive  in 
His  holy  hands,  that,  in  a  teachable  and  childlike 
state,  I  may  receive  and  profit  by  the  various  lessons 
He  is  giving  me  to  learn,  one  of  which  is  to  make 
full  proof  of  His  sufficiency  when  all  the  streams  of 
earthly  consolation  are,  for  a  period  at  least,  with- 
held ;  and  yet  I  cannot  say  that  they  are  all  with- 
held, for  truly  thy  last  letter  came  like  a  cordial  to 
my  drooping  spirit,  and  seemed  to  bring  thee  very, 
very  near.  Thou  seems  indeed  to  have  understood 
my  state  even  better  than  I  did  myself,  I  think. 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  Twelfth  mo.  31st,  1838. 
My  dearest  sister,  Sally  Ann  Bacon,  is  still  very 
low,  but  no  material  change  within  a  day  or  two. 
The  doctors  think  she  cannot  continue  long,  and, 
after  many  very  bitter  pangs,  we  have  quite  resigned 
her.  She  is  most  sweet  and  patient;  and  though 
she  says  but  little  on  the  subject,  I  have  the  most 
unwavering  conviction  that  her  "  peace  is  made."  I 
never  felt  so  perfectly  divested  of  every  feeling  of 
anxiety  upon  the  subject  in  any  instance  of  the  kind 
before.  And  now,  my  mother  in  the  truth,  I  must 
inform  thee  that  once  again  thy  poor  unworthy  child 
has  been  constrained  to  speak  in  the  assemblies  of 
the  people,  to  utter  a  few  sentences  in  fear  and  trem- 
bling before  the  Lord,  and  once  again  a  full  and 
blessed  recompense  is  given*her.  Oh,  who  dare  say 
that  He  who  ruleth  in  the  earth  is  not  a  covenant- 
keeping  God  ?  I  had  not  been  to  meeting  for  two 
weeks,  but  felt  compelled  to  go  there  yesterday,  much 
in  the  cross,  and  not  without  some  thought  of  what 
might  follow.  A.  Dirkin  rose  soon  after  I  sat  down, 
and  gave  me  marked  and  strong  encouragement. 
Indeed,  I  have  not  wanted  for  it  in  this  way;  some 
late  communications  have  been  rather  striking.  But, 
oh !  this  can  do  little  for  me  if  our  blessed  Lord  will 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  45 

only  condescend  to  make  His  will  and  pleasure 
clearly  manifest.  What  need  I  more  ?  except  a  little 
counsel  and  encouragement  from  His  most  highly 
prized  and  precious  gift,  my  own  dear  chosen  friend. 

The  verse  thou  names  was  very  often  in  my 
thoughts  on  that  First  day,  and  I  conceived  that  I 
could  almost  hear  the  blessed  voice  of  Him  who  is 
our  glorious  Intercessor  at  the  Throne.  "  Holy 
Father,  keep  through  Thine  own  name  those  whom 
Thou  hast  given  me,  that  they  may  be  one  as  we  are 
one."    So  be  it,  and  so  be  it,  saith  my  soul. 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  First  mo.  19th,  1839. 
Most  mercifully  has  He  dealt  with  me,  my  soul  is 
bound  indeed  to  testify,  and  though  He  has  been 
pleased  the  last  four  months  to  heat  the  furnace  even 
seven  times  hotter  than  it  was  wont  to  be,  so  that  at 
seasons  it  has  seemed  as  if  I  must  have  perished  in 
the  flames.  He  never  for  a  moment  has  deserted  me. 
His  waves  and  billows  truly  have  rolled  over  me,  but 
He  has  not  allowed  me  to  be  overwhelmed.  His 
voice  is  mightier  than  the  noise  of  many  waters ; 
yea,  than  the  mighty  waves  of  the  sea,"  and  always 
when  the  floods  roll  very  high  the  blessed  words  are 
spoken,  Peace,  be  still."  Through  very  deep  and 
very  humbling  baptisms  a  willingness  is  wrought 


^6        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

from  time  to  time  to  make  the  feeble  offerings  I  have 
been  called  to  do  in  the  obedience  of  faith.  But 
proportionably  great  and  bountiful  has  been  the  rec- 
ompense of  Him  whom  above  all  I  do  desire  to 
serve,  sweetly  reminding  me  of  His  own  promises  : 
"  Bring  all  your  tithes  into  my  store-house,  saith  the 
Lord,  and  prove  me  now  herewith,  and  see  if  I  will 
not  open  the  windows  of  heaven  and  pour  you  out 
a  blessing  till  there  shall  not  be  room  to  contain  it." 
Oh,  magnify  the  Lord  with  me,  and  let  us  exalt  His 
name  together ! 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  Second  mo.  12th,  1839. 
Does  it  not  seem  to  thee  that  the  glad  tidings" 
of  the  truth  that  Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world  to 
save  sinners  can  alone  properly  be  called  the  gospel, 
although  we  may  believe  the  heathen, — those  who 
have  never  heard  the  name  of  Christ, — if  they  are 
faithful  to  the  light  received,  will  be  "  accepted  in 
the  beloved,"  even  as  the  little  child  who  yields  its 
breath  before  its  senses  have  been  exercised  by  use, 
before  it  knows  to  choose  the  good  and  to  refuse  the 
evil? 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


47 


E.  p.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  Fourth  mo.  ist,  1839. 
I  never  have  been  better  satisfied  of  the  necessity 
of  an  unclouded  faith  in  all  that  has  been  done  and 
suffered  for  us  by  Jesus  Christ  of  Nazareth,  even 
Him  of  whom  the  prophets  testify,  the  "  Lamb  of 
God,"  who,  as  the  apostle  says,  was  fore-ordained 
before  the  world  was  formed,  but  in  these  latter 
times  made  manifest.  I  also  do  assuredly  believe 
no  man  can  truly  call  this  Jesus  Lord  but  by  the 
Holy  Ghost,  and  that  a  merely  nominal  belief  will 
not  avail. 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

'  Philadelphia,  Third  mo.  14th,  1840. 
Yes,  my  tenderly  beloved  friend,  some  moments  of 
enjoyment  have  been  ours  such  as  I  have  almost 
never  known  before,  such  as  most  fully  satisfied  my 
heart, — a  blessed  foretaste,  as  I  humbly  trust,  of 
those  enduring  joys  which  are  prepared  for  us  (if 
we  hold  fast  our  confidence)  in  that  far  better  world 
where  we  shall  part  no  more.  Ah,  surely  we  have 
sat  together,  my  own  precious  friend,  in  "  heavenly 
places,"  and  very  pure  and  full  has  been  our  joy; 
yet  still  our  tarriance  in  them  was  but  temporary. 
Oh,  who  can  tell  the  bliss  of  abiding  there? 


48        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

Eye  hath  not  seen,  ear  heard,  nor  hath  it  entered 
into  any  heart  thoroughly  to  conceive  the  height 
and  depth  and  fulness  of  the  blessedness  which  is  in 
store  for  those  who  love  the  Lord  and  serve  Him 
faithfully.  Sometimes  a  little  glimpse  is  given  me, 
but  it  makes  me  long  to  fly  away.  I  dare  not  dwell 
on  it.  My  coward  heart  shrinks  from  the  thought 
of  having  to  endure  yet  closer  conflicts,  yet  more 
proving  baptisms,  forgetting  that  with  God  all  things 
are  possible,  and  that  He  will  not  lay  upon  us  greater 
burthens  than  He  Himself  will  give  us  strength  to 
bear.  Oh,  if  I  were  but  near  thee,  that  I  might 
whisper  in  thy  ear  how  graciously,  how  conde- 
scendingly, how  marvellously  He  has  been  dealing 
with  my  soul,  raising  it  from  the  very  dust  of 
death,"  and  filling  it  with  peace  and  light  and  love ! 

Thy  vision  for  me  has  so  far  been  realized,  and 
fervent  were  the  breathings  of  my  heart  this  morn- 
ing that  if  He  now  should  "  send  prosperity,"  I 
never  may  forget  the  wormwood  and  the  gall,  the 
misery  and  bitterness  which  in  His  wisdom  He  has 
portioned  out  to  me,  but  that  my  soul  may  ever  have 
them  in  remembrance  and  be  humbled  within  me. 
Father  of  mercies !  hear  my  earnest  prayer,  and 
grant  it,  I  beseech  Thee,  in  the  name  of  Jesus. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


49 


Katharine  Backhouse  to  E.  P.  K. 

Fourth  mo.  loth,  1840. 

...  I  want  to  say  that  I  am  glad  thou  art  en- 
deavoring to  employ  the  talents  entrusted  to  thee  in 
faith  ;  and  the  more  thou  canst  commit  thy  way  unto 
the  Lord  without  anxiety  or  care  the  more  com- 
fortably wilt  thou  go  on  from  day  to  day.  We  often 
perplex  ourselves  and  add  to  our  own  difficulties  by 
looking  too  far  forward  and  reasoning  upon  conse- 
quences ;  whereas,  if  we  really  did  put  our  trust 
singly  in  our  holy  Leader,  we  should  so  confide  in 
Him  and  in  His  leadings  that  each  successive  step, 
being  taken  in  obedience  to  His  will  at  the  time 
it  was  made  known  to  be  our  duty,  would  bring  its 
own  reward  of  lowly  peace,  and  there  would  be  no 
room  for  fears  and  perplexities.  This,  therefore,  is 
the  course  I  would  affectionately  recommend  to  thee, 
my  dear  younger  sister.  I  do  not,  however,  write 
without  a  true  sympathy  with  thee  in  the  conflicts 
which  I  believe  to  be  inseparable  from  the  work  of 
the  ministry,  whether  we  have  more  or  less  to  do 
with  it.  May  thy  good  Master  be  very  near  thee  in 
all  thy  conflicts,  lead  thee  safely  through  them,  and 
largely  bless  thee  with  His  love ! 


5 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Philadelphia,  Fourth  mo.  29th,  1840, 
Our  friends  are  all,  I  think,  in  usual  health,  and 
glad  our  Yearly  Meeting  passed  off  comfortably. 
Clouds  truly  hung  about  us  when  we  met,  but  we 
soon  found  they  were  indeed  the  chariot-wheels  of 
Israel's  King  :  "  At  the  brightness  that  was  before 
Him  the  thick  clouds  passed,  hail-stones  and  coals 
of  fire."  His  promise  is  that  His  own  people,  those 
who  love  and  serve  Him,  shall  dwell  in  peaceable 
habitations  and  sure  dwellings  and  quiet  resting- 
places,  and  His  promises  are  yea  and  amen  forever. 

H.  C.  B.  to  E.  P.  K. 

Fifth  mo.  6th,  1840. 

.  .  .  That  He,  the  Shepherd  of  Israel,  may  lead 
and  feed  thee,  as  He  has  assuredly  been  doing,  is 
the  fervent  desire  of  my  soul,  in  which  all  others, 
strong  as  they  are,  seem  absorbed ;  and  if  in  His 
leadings  He  brings  thee  into  that  state  in  which 
Jacob  found  himself  when  obliged  to  quit  his  father's 
house,  with  a  stone  for  a  pillow  and  the  canopy  of 
heaven  over  his  head,  there  mayst  thou  trust  in 
Him,  and  following  Him  in  this  way  that  He  has 
directed  thee,  make  truly  the  covenant  that  if  He 
will  be  with  thee,  give  thee  meat  to  eat  (spiritually 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  5 1 

and  temporally\  and  raiment  to  put  on, — what  thy 
poor  body  stands  in  need  of,  and  what  thy  soul  de- 
sires to  wear,  the  robe  of  His  righteousness, — thou 
wilt  offer  unto  Him  the  tenth,  the  gift  of  His  own 
appointing,  the  first  fruits  of  all  th\-  increase.  So 
may  He  multiply  unto  thee  grace,  merc}-,  and  peace  ; 
and  in  days  to  come  an  altar  may  be  erected  in  com- 
memoration of  His  marvellous  dealings,  that  in  and 
through  all  sufferings  He  mav,  as  it  were,  enable  thee 
to  adopt  the  language,  "  With  my  staff  I  passed  o\  er 
this  Jordan,"  etc. 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Fifth  mo.  29th,  1S40. 

We  now  and  then  have  bright  accounts  of  thee, 
and  they  are  always  cheering;  but  I  well  know,  my 
own  most  precious  friend,  thou  art  very  often  passing 
through  the  deeps,  and  trembling  lest  thou  shouldst 
be  overwhelmed.  I  quite  believe  the  language  to 
thee  is,  ''Trust,  and  be  not  afraid."  He,  thy  com- 
passionate and  holy  Guide,  who  has  from  time  to  time 
so  graciously  measured  the  waters,  brought  thee  safely 
through,  and  caused  thee  to  exalt  His  worthy  name, 
will  not  forsake  thee  now;  nay.  He  has  promised,  and 
He  will  never  break  His  covenant,  that  He  will  be 
with  those  who  love  and  serve  Him  even  to  the  end. 
Then  be  thy  whole  dependence  placed  on  Him;  go  on 


52         MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

in  simple  faith  and  never  cast  away  thy  confidence, 
for  great,  I  do  assuredly  believe,  will  be  at  last  thy 
glorious  reward.  Light  is  sown  for  the  righteous 
and  peace  for  the  upright  in  heart. 

E.  P.  K.  to  H.  C.  B. 

WoODBURN,  Seventh  mo.  27th,  1840. 

Whether  it  is  the  will  of  my  Almighty  Parent  soon 
to  restore  me  to  thy  own  dear  self  again,  or  whether, 
in  His  inscrutable  but  perfect  wisdom.  He  now  designs 
to  cut  off  every  stream  of  earthly  consolation,  that 
it  may  be  my  meat  and  drink  to  do  His  blessed  will, 
that  I  may  give  Him  my  whole,  undivided,  dedi- 
cated heart,  I  cannot  in  the  least  pretend  to  say;  but 
knowing  that  His  will  is  our  sanctification,"  and 
desiring  above  all  things  to  be  made  holy  as  He  is 
holy,  I  trust  I  can  with  some  sincerity  breathe  the 
petition,     May  Thy  will  be  done." 

Elizabeth  Fry  to  E.  P.  Kirkbride. 

Ninth  mo.  30th,  1840. 

.  .  .  Thou  hast  no  doubt  already  heard  of  the 
sweet  and  peaceful  return  home  of  our  dearest  Joseph, 
and  how  much  everything  he  committed  to  his  Lord 
appears  to  have  been  kept,  blessed,  and  prospered 
during  his  absence  ;  and  I  may  truly  say  that  I  think 
his  long  journey  has  been  blessed  to  him,  and  tended 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  53 

to  enlarge,  and  not  diminish,  his  spiritual  life  and 
boundaries,  which  I  delight  to  observe.  He  looks 
back  with  deep  interest  on  his  journey,  and  deeply 
feels  the  kind  sympathy,  help,  and  unity  he  has  met 
with  from  many,  and  none  more  than  thyself,  thy 
uncle  and  aunt  Paul,  and  Stephen  Grellet. 

...  I  wish,  my  beloved  friend,  to  have  an  inti- 
mate letter  from  thyself  respecting  thy  own  dear 
mind;  indeed,  about  all  that  pertains  to  thy  present 
and  everlasting  welfare.  As  it  respects  thy  gift  in 
the  ministry,  I  truly  desire  that  thou  mayst  be  faith- 
ful to  thy  Lord,  not  warped  by  any  man ;  that  the 
truths  of  the  gospel  may  be  upheld  by  thee  in  their 
purity,  simplicity,  and  power ;  and  may  grace  be 
given  thee  to  keep  very  watchful,  humble,  and  cir- 
cumspect in  all  thy  steppings.  I  crave  for  myself 
and  my  friends  this  walking  before  the  Lord,  and 
that,  under  what  we  may  consider  wrong  sentiments, 
wrong  feelings,  and  wrong  conduct  toward  ourselves 
and  others,  our  spirits  may  be  clothed  with  the 
meekness  of  wisdom  and  of  true  charity  toward  our 
opposers.  I  often  think  it  good  for  myself  to  have 
my  Christian  principles  thus  exercised,  or  I  might 
not  know  what  was  in  my  heart;  and  I  do  not  find 
it  easy,  when  those  dearest  to  me  are  concerned,  not 
to  feel  hurt  at  unfair  conduct  towards  them. 

Dost  thou  think  of  returning  to  England  at  pres- 
5^ 


54        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

ent  ?  Thou  wilt  have  a  cordial  welcome  from  thy 
friends,  and  my  desire  is  that  when  the  right  time 
comes  nothing  may  hinder  thee ;  but  I  do  not  want 
thee  to  come  before.  I  should  like  to  be  affection- 
ately remembered  to  thy  uncle  and  aunt  Paul,  and  to 
other  dear  friends  who  love  and  serve  our  blessed 
Lord  May  His  grace  and  His  peace  be  abundantly 
with  you  all,  and  may  His  blessing  rest  upon  you ! 

Her  friends  J.  and  H.  C.  Backhouse  were  now  in 
advanced  life,  and  the  former  in  failing  health.  Their 
appeals  had  been  frequent  and  urgent  to  E.  P.  Kirk- 
bride  to  visit  them  once  more  in  England,  to  which 
the  affectionate  promptings  of  her  own  heart  warmly 
responded.  She  had  become  accustomed  to  wait 
until  satisfied  that  her  steps  were  in  the  path  of  duty, 
and  she  now  felt  that  she  could  properly  accept  the 
invitation.  She  accordingly  sailed  from  Philadelphia 
Tenth  mo.  19th,  and  wrote  from  on  shipboard  to  one 
of  her  sisters : 

On  board  Packet-Ship 
"  SusQUEHANNAH,"  Tenth  mo.  20th,  1840. 

...  I  think  you  will  like  to  know  how  we  are 
getting  on  in  this  fine  northeaster,  or  rather  how 
comfortably  we  are  standing  still,  not  on  the  bosom 
of  the  broad  Atlantic,  but  on  the  quiet  Delaware, 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  55 

six  or  seven  miles  from  where  you  left  us.  I  felt  sad 
enough  at  the  moment  of  parting  from  you,  but  I 
think  I  have  not  often  spent  an  afternoon  of  more 
entire  quietness,  or  one  more  wholly  exempt  from 
every  anxious  thought.  I  think  I  feel  a  degree  of 
humble  confidence  that  "the  Lord  will  command 
His  loving  kindness  in  the  daytime,  and  in  the  night 
His  song  shall  be  with  me,"  and  surely  I  need  ask 
for  nothing  more.  I  have  thoroughly  enjoyed  the 
perfect  quietude ;  indeed,  I  could  not  help  thinking 
this  afternoon  that,  were  it  not  for  the  sea-sickness, 
I  would  be  glad  if  we  should  have  a  good  long  voy- 
age, so  much  do  I  enjoy  a  thorough  break-off  from 
a  busy  world  and  its  important  trifles, — a  little  time 
for  undisturbed  reflection,  that  I  may  learn  to  know 
and  understand  myself  Very  sweet  has  been  the 
remembrance  of  many  dearly  beloved  ones  I  have 
left  behind.  May  peace  be  with  you  all !  How 
strange  it  seems  to  be  at  anchor  in  your  very  neigh- 
borhood, and  yet  so  thoroughly  divided  from  you. 

22d.  We  are  now  under  full  sail,  with  a  fair  wind 
and  bright  sky,  and  quite  expect  by  sundown  to  be 
fairly  out  at  sea.  I  believe  the  two  days  of  entire 
rest  on  the  Delaware  have  been  very  useful  to  me, 
as  I  was  a  good  deal  worn  in  body,  heart,  and  mind 
when  I  came  on  board.  As  I  may  not  be  able  to 
write  when  I  get  in  rough  water,  I  will  once  again 


5  6        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

bid  you  a  long,  last  farewell.  I  quite  hope  we  shall 
meet  again  in  this  world ;  but  should  the  all-wise 
Disposer  of  events  direct  it  otherwise,  and  be  in  His 
inscrutable  wisdom  preparing  for  me  a  watery  grave, 
I  want  you  to  know  that  I  humbly  trust  and  believe 
the  precious  seal  of  peace  which  is  now  resting  on 
my  spirit  is  an  unquestionable  evidence  that  I  am  in 
the  path  He  has  Himself  marked  out  for  me  ;  and  I 
humbly  hope,  frail,  faltering,  and  unworthy  as  I  am, 
that  having  in  integrity  of  heart  desired  to  serve  Him, 
through  the  unbounded  mercy  of  our  blessed  Saviour 
He  will  at  last  receive  me  to  Himself;  that  being 
long  a  pilgrim  on  the  earth,  having  indeed  no  certain 
dwelling-place,  my  next  remove  may  be  to  an  un- 
changing, fixed,  and  settled  habitation,  a  tabernacle 
that  shall  not  be  taken  down.  Bright  and  delightful 
as  the  thought  of  seeing  H.  C.  Backhouse  again  is, 
I  must  confess  the  thought  of  an  eternal  resting- 
place  is  even  yet  more  bright.  But  may  our  heav- 
enly Father's  will  be  done ! 

Upon  her  arrival  she  was  received  as  one  of  the 
family  of  J.  and  H.  C.  Backhouse,  at  Darlington,  and 
became  a  member  of  that  meeting.  Soon  after  she 
attended  H.  C.  B.  in  a  second  visit  to  Scotland  on 
religious  service. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


57 


E.  P.  K.  to  Anna  Gurney. 

Twelfth  mo.  29th,  1840. 

.  .  .  The  news  of  the  decease  of  dear  Abigail  Barker 
was  a  thorough  shock  to  me,  for,  though  I  had  often 
said  I  thought  her  getting  through  the  winter  doubt- 
ful, I  did  not  think  the  end  was  quite  so  near.  Truly 
the  sudden  absence  and  removal  of  a  mind  like  hers 
from  off  the  earth  ("  for  in  that  very  day  his  thoughts 
perish")  is  a  prodigious  miss.  I  have  not  often  felt 
it  more  than  on  this  occasion,  for  surely  she  was  no 
common  person,  and  she  has  always  been  to  me  the 
kindest  friend.  However,  it  is  cause  for  joy  and 
thankfulness  that  one  has  more  beloved  ones  beyond 
the  storms  of  Time  than  still  exposed  to  them,  and 
I  have  almost  ceased  to  mourn  the  dead.  May  we, 
my  dearest  Anna,  in  our  turn  join  the  "  ten  thou- 
sand times  ten  thousand"  who  surround  the  Throne, 
— the  spirits  of  the  just  who  sin  no  more. 

Continuing  faithful  to  the  intimations  of  duty 
which  from  time  to  time  were  so  evidently  presented 
to  her  mind,  her  public  communications  were  cor- 
dially approved  and  sanctioned  by  her  friends,  and 
on  Seventh  mo.  20th,  1841,  she  was  duly  recorded 
by  Darlington  Monthly  Meeting  as  a  minister  of  the 
gospel  of  Christ. 


5  8         MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


CHAPTER  n. 

The  course  of  our  friend's  history  has  now  reached 
a  point  of  peculiar  interest.  During  the  early  part 
of  1837,  as  before  staled,  Joseph  John  Gurney,  of 
Earlham,  near  Norwich,  England,  had  felt  his  mind 
drawn  to  religious  service  in  America,  and  in  the 
Seventh  mo.  of  that  year  he  sailed  for  Philadelphia 
in  the  prosecution  of  this  mission.  For  the  suc- 
ceeding three  years  he  was  constantly  engaged  in 
visiting  and  holding  meetings  with  Friends  and 
others  in  various  parts  of  the  United  States,  Canada, 
and  the  West  Indies.  He  labored  much  in  Phila- 
delphia and  the  vicinity,  and  his  home  in  that  city 
was  at  the  house  of  E.  P.  Kirkbride's  uncle,  John 
Paul.  Their  acquaintance  was  further  developed  by 
subsequent  intercourse  after  J.  J.  Gurney's  return  to 
England,  and  the  intimacy  finally  ripened  into  an 
engagement  of  marriage.  E.  P.  Kirkbride  had  now 
become  widely  and  favorably  known  to  Friends  in 
England,  and  a  cordial  welcome  awaited  her  from 
the  members  of  the  Gurney  family. 

J.  J.  Gurney's  household  at  this  time  comprised 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 

his  two  children,  John  Henry  and  Anna,  and  his 
eldest  sister,  Catharine  Gurney.  The  latter  wrote 
to  H.  C.  Backhouse : 

1841. 

My  dear  Hannah, — Shall  I  write  to  thee  or 
Eliza  Kirkbride  ?  I  cannot  delay  the  expression  of 
my  cordial  approbation  and  satisfaction  in  the  en- 
gagement that  has  taken  place  between  her  and  Jo- 
seph. That  it  is  a  right  conclusion  no  one  who 
knows  anything  about  the  matter  can  doubt ;  and 
she  will,  I  fully  believe,  be  an  invaluable  addition 
to  our  family  circle.  Above  all,  she  will  be  the 
very  person  to  make  Joseph  happy,  and  be  the 
greatest  help  and  pleasure  to  Anna,  who  already  de- 
lights in  her.  What  a  wonderful  working  of  Provi- 
dence may  we  see  in  the  whole  affair !  It  has  the 
best  stamp  upon  it,  and  we  can  but  acknowledge  it 
as  a  rich  blessing  bestowed  on  our  dearest  brother, 
a  portion  of  that  "  hundredfold  now  in  this  present 
world"  promised  to  them  who  forsake  all  for  Christ. 
All  that  I  have  heard  of  her,  both  from  thee  and 
Anna,  convinces  me  that  she  has  in  her  character 
that  enlargement  of  mind  and  good  sense  and  tact 
which  are  needful  to  meet  the  varieties  in  our  family. 
With  kindest  love  to  her,  and  welcome  as  my  sister- 
elect,  I  am  thy  truly  affectionate  cousin. 


6o        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


A  note  from  H.  C.  Backhouse  to  J.  J.  Gurney, 
dated  First  ino.  26th,  1 841,  referring  to  the  engage- 
ment, seems  in  the  light  of  subsequent  events  strik- 
ingly prophetic : 

"  My  faith  is  strong  that  she  will  be  thine  as  long 
as  thou  lives;  and  if  I  am  suffered  to  look  into  the 
future,  I  see  her  surviving  us  both,  standing  in  a 
conspicuous  station  in  the  church,  and  through  thee 
in  the  world,  making  hundreds  to  rise  up  and  call 
her  blessed  for  her  liberal  distribution  of  things 
both  temporal  and  spiritual,  waiting  in  humble 
confidence  and  holy  submission  for  that  day  which 
shall  re-unite  her  spirit  with  those  she  has  most 
dearly  loved  on  earth  in  the  kingdom  of  her  Lord." 

Amelia  Opie  writes  to  E.  P.  K.  at  this  time : 

My  beloved  friend,  my  heart  prompted  me  to  write 
to  thee  some  days  ago,  but  opportunity  seemed  want- 
ing. Now,  however,  it  is  before  me,  and  I  hasten 
to  tell  thee  how  heartily  I  rejoice  in  the  happiness 
of  my  dearest  friend,  in  and  by  which,  I  trust,  thy 
own  is  included  and  will  be  through  life  secured. 
You  have  both  of  you  experienced  close  and  deep 
trials,  and  know  from  painful  experience  how  full  of 
changes  and  vicissitudes  this  life  is,  and  how  the 
pleasantest   pictures   are   marred ;   but  you  have 


ELIZA  F.  GURNEY. 


6i 


through  Divine  mercy  been  brought  to  rest  your 
hopes  on  Him  who  changeth  not,  the  same  yester- 
day, to-day,  and  forever.  And  He  who  was  your 
comfort  and  friend  in  hours  of  sorrow  and  adversity 
will  continue  to  watch  over  you  for  good  in  the 
more  dangerous  period  of  happiness  and  prosperity. 

The  marriage  took  place  at  Darlington,  Tenth 
mo.  2 1st,  1 84 1. 

It  is  difficult  fully  to  realize  the  new  influences 
and  surroundings  among  which  our  friend  now 
found  herself  placed.  The  family  into  which  she 
had  so  agreeably  entered  was  very  widely  spread, 
— she  somewhere  speaks  of  having  acquired  one 
hundred  and  nineteen  nephews  and  nieces  by  her 
marriage, — its  members  were  wealthy  and  influential, 
of  high  culture,  and  remarkable  for  piety  and  de- 
votion, many  of  them  prominent  in  the  Society  of 
Friends. 

Earlham  Hall,  about  two  miles  from  Norwich,  for 
a  long  course  of  years  the  home  of  successive  gen- 
erations of  the  family  (though  only  held  on  a  long 
lease),  was  a  large  and  elegant  establishment,  beauti- 
fully situated,  and  complete  in  all  its  appointments. 
The  highest  refinement  that  wealth  could  procure, 
guided  by  delicate  taste  and  feeling,  and  sanctified 

by  a  pervading  sense  of  Christian  duty,  was  diffused 

6 


52         MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  \0F 


through  its  spacious  halls,  and  shared  freely  by 
numberless  guests  from  far  and  near. 

*'  In  this  mansion  used  to  be 
Free-hearted  hospitality ; 
Its  great  fires  up  the  chimneys  roared, 
The  stranger  feasted  at  its  board." 

In  this  delightful  home  E.  P.  Gurney  now  found 
herself  installed  as  mistress.  Her  frank  and  generous 
nature  expanded  in  its  congenial  atmosphere,  and 
she  rejoiced  in  the  enlarged  opportunities  it  afforded 
for  the  active  exercise  of  the  benevolence  which  was 
one  of  her  prominent  traits. 

Catharine  Gurney  writes  soon  after  the  marriage  : 

1841. 

My  dearest  Joseph  and  Eliza, — My  mind  and 
heart  are  so  full  towards  you  that  I  do  not  incline 
to  turn  to  other  interests  till  I  have  expressed  to  you 
the  happy  impression  left  from  my  intercourse  with 
you,  and  the  true,  solid  comfort  I  have  in  thee,  my 
beloved  sister.  I  am  so  glad  to  feel  such  a  capa- 
bility of  loving  thee  and  being  intimate  with  thee. 
It  is  not  for  us  to  extol  the  creature,  but  it  is  good 
to  love  and  value  one  another  in  its  just  subordina- 
tion, and  allowable  sometimes  to  communicate  our 
approbation  and  sympathy,  to  stimulate  and  animate 
one  another  on  our  way ;  and  in  entering  a  new 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  5^ 

period  of  life  and  sphere  of  duty,  encouragement 
from  those  we  love  is  a  cordial.  What  a  most  re- 
markable fulfilment  of  the  promise  of  the  "  hun- 
dredfold now  in  this  present  life"  is  your  connection, 
and  the  whole  history  of  your  being  brought  to- 
gether. I  have  no  doubt  that  great  good  will  arise 
from  it  in  various  ways.  The  savor  of  your  united 
influence  will  be  strongly  felt,  not  only  in  our  own 
circle  of  relations,  but  in  many  others,  I  fully  be- 
lieve. For  the  sake  of  real  good  to  be  done  and 
spread,  I  hope  you  will  not  be  too  exclusive  in  your 
plans  about  visiting.  I  told  thee,  dear  Eliza,  my 
regrets  at  Joseph's  strict  line  and  rule  about  dinner 
visits, — it  throws  such  a  shackle  on  the  intercourse 
with  some  first-rate  society  in  Norwich, — and  I  am 
very  sorry  that  two  such  bright  and  polished  instru- 
ments as  you  both  are  should  be  under  what  seems  to 
me  such  a  needless  bondage.  This  is  my  view,  and 
I  know  that  I  have  a  particular  dislike  to  rules  and 
restrictions  of  this  kind.  I  like  liberty  and  follow- 
ing the  common  ways  of  society,  unless  a  positive 
conscientious  objection  interferes  with  it.  However, 
it  is  not  for  me  to  advise,  or  hardly  to  give  an  opinion 
to  those  whom  I  truly  feel  above  and  beyond  me, 
as  I  do  both  of  you  ;  and  if  you  differ  from  me,  I 
shall  be  sure  you  must  have  good  and  substantial 
reasons  that  I  do  not  understand  nor  appreciate. 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


H.  C.  Backhouse  to  Julia  K.  Clarke. 

Leamington,  Eighth  mo.  6th,  1841. 
This  was  the  meeting-house  where,  more  than 
eleven  years  ago,  I  laid  before  Friends  my  concern 
for  going  to  America.  Little  did  I  then  think  of  the 
event  of  this  day,  as  little  did  the  Friends  of  Phila- 
delphia when,  overruled  by  a  judgment  not  their 
own,  they  gave  Eliza  the  minute  through  which,  in 
the  wonderful  workings  of  her  heavenly  Father,  it 
may  now  be  said  she  has  been  brought  into  this 
land,  to  be,  at  least  for  years,  her  earthly  home,  and 
in  which  I  have  as  strong  a  faith  as  I  had  that  she 
was  bound  to  go  with  me  through  your  land,  that 
she  will  have  an  important  post  to  fill,  both  naturally 
and  spiritually,  and  that  if  she  is  a  faithful  steward 
of  her  manifold  gifts,  it  will  be  no  inactive  one 
either.  I  feel  more  than  perhaps  any  of  you  would 
think  parting  with  her,  though  I  perfectly  approve  the 
connection.  She  has  been  such  a  beloved  adopted 
child,  that  I  cannot  give  her  up  to  another  without 
feeling  it;  but  I  know  the  time  is  come  for  her  using 
her  talents  in  a  larger  sphere  than  she  can  hold  with 
me,  and  that  there  is  a  time  to  give  up  as  well  as  to 
receive. 

E.  P.  G.'s  letters  at  this  time  clearly  indicate  how 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  5^ 

deeply  she  felt  the  responsibilities  of  her  position, 
and  how  entirely  she  looked  to  her  heavenly  Guide 
to  conduct  her  safely  amid  its  varied  duties. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Earlham,  Tenth  mo.  29th,  1841. 

I  have  been  longing  to  tell  thee  of  our  sweet  and 
marvellously  peaceful  arrival  here  last  evening. 
Nothing  could  exceed  the  perfectly  familiar  home- 
like feeling  that  was  in  mercy  given  me  on  entering 
this  abode  of  rest  and  happiness,  for  such  I  assuredly 
believe  I  shall  find  it,  through  the  tender  compassion 
and  unmerited  loving  kindness  of  our  gracious  Lord. 
Bright,  beaming,  and  cordial  beyond  description  was 
the  cheering  and  heart-tendering  welcome  we  re- 
ceived from  these  most  precious  children,  whom  I 
feel  to  be  gifts  of  inestimable  value  from  the  all- 
bounteous  Giver  of  the  manifold  and  various  bless- 
ings I  am  now  enjoying,  and  in  the  possession  of 
which  I  well  know  that  thou,  my  dearly  beloved 
mother,  will  rejoice  with  me. 

This  morning,  in  our  family  reading,  I  was  con- 
strained to  beseech  that  a  rich  blessing  might  be 
poured  upon  this  gathered  household,  that  the  man- 
tle of  those  who  had  gone  before  us  into  glory, 
with  a  double  portion  of  their  spirit,  might  descend 

on  some  of  us,  enabling  us  to  discharge  our  relative 

6* 


56        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


and  varied  duties  to  the  honor  of  our  Lord,  that  we 
might  walk  in  the  light  of  His  countenance,  and  in 
His  name  rejoice  all  the  day,  etc.  A  hallowed  feel- 
ing seemed  to  cover  us,  and  after  our  private  reading 
in  our  lodging-room,  we  had  a  sweet  call  from  Wil- 
liam Forster.  Then  took  a  short  walk,  had  a  sight 
of  the  beautiful  greenhouse  (my  bridal  gift),  and 
since  luncheon  we  have  enjoyed  a  social  call  from 
Anna  Forster.  She  was  most  pleasant,  but  looks  a 
good  deal  altered  since  I  saw  her  last.  To-morrow 
our  dearest  sister  Fry  comes  to  us,  and  Catharine  on 
Second  day. 

E.  P.  G.  to  Susanna  Corder. 

Earlham,  Eleventh  mo.  19th,  1841. 
...  I  trust  thou  wilt  continue  to  follow  us  with 
good  desires,  and  even  prayers  for  our  safe  guidance, 
faithfulness,  and  preservation ;  for  truly  I  do  feel 
that  in  the  midst  of  vast  responsibilities,  and  count- 
less mercies,  too,  we  have  no  power  at  all  to  keep 
ourselves,  and  were  it  not  for  the  assured  belief  that 
the  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  sufficient  for 
us,  overwhelming  to  myself  would  be  the  increase  of 
relative  obligations  into  which  my  new  position  must 
inevitably  lead.  On  this  grace  I  rely,  and  I  think  I 
am  bound  to  confess  that  so  far  I  have  found  it,  to 
my  humbling  admiration,  supporting  and  sustaining 


ELIZA  P.  GORNEY.  67 

beyond  what  I  could  ask  or  think,  making  things 
easy  which  in  the  distance  seemed  impossible ;  and 
in  the  midst  of  the  absorbing  interests  attendant  on 
my  coming  to  this  new  and  most  indulgent  home,  it 
has  preserved  my  mind  in  sweet  tranquillity  and  per- 
fect peace.  I  know,  my  beloved  friend,  and  I  almost 
think  I  hear  thee  telling  me  to  remember,  that  this 
state  of  things  cannot  last,  that  we  must  prepare  to 
endure  hardness,  as  good  soldiers,  etc.  Yet  surely 
when  our  compassionate  Captain  permits  us  for  a 
season  to  rest  as  in  green  pastures,  and  by  the  still 
waters  of  life,  we  may  accept  the  offered  mercy  with 
thanksgiving,  and  call  upon  His  name  for  the  ability 
to  drink  the  cup  which  overflows  with  blessings,  to 
His  praise.  Most  sweet  and  comforting  is  the  re- 
ception I  have  met  with  from  these  precious  chil- 
dren, and,  indeed,  the  whole  family  circle  without 
any  exception. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Earlham,  Twelfth  mo.  i6th,  1841. 
I  must  write  a  single  line  to  thank  thee,  my  own 
loved  mother,  for  thy  kind  note  and  acceptable  letter, 
which  came  together  yesterday,  and  to  tell  thee,  in 
answer  to  thy  kind  inquiry,  that  I  am  much  more 
comfortable,  though  I  have  been  in  a  low  spot  since 
I  wrote  before.    I  have  received  no  letter  since  the 


68        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


one  which  brought  the  intelHgence  of  my  dearest 
brother's  decease,  but  hope  soon  to  have  more  par- 
ticulars, which  I  will  forward  to  thee.  In  the  midst 
of  countless  blessings,  I  can  unite  in  what  thou  sayest 
about  praising  the  dead  that  are  already  dead  more 
than  the  living  that  are  still  alive,  groaning,  as  at  sea- 
sons all  must  groan,  under  the  burthen  of  mortality, 
and  when  they  do  rejoice,  rejoice  with  trembling. 
Yet  we  must  both  wait  patiently  the  appointed  time 
until  the  change  shall  come;  and  may  we  not,  by 
too  much  dwelling  on  the  trials  and  afflictions  that 
we  meet  with  by  the  way,  neglect  to  number  the 
abounding  mercies  of  a  gracious  God  ?  Thy  sym- 
pathy is  always  sweet  to  me ;  I  know  its  depth  and 
sincerity. 

.  .  .  How  thoroughly  the  stamp  of  "  right"  which 
is  sometimes  mercifully  set  upon  our  movements, 
repays  for  hours  of  conflict  no  one  knows  better  than 
thyself 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Earlham,  Eighth  mo.  20th,  1842. 
After  I  despatched  my  hasty  lines  to  thee  from 
Wells  I  received  thy  welcome  letter,  and  was  truly 
glad  to  hear  of  thy  comfortable  getting  on,  although 
it  is  still,  I  perceive,  through  no  small  tribulation. 
Dearest  Joseph  and  I  often  contrast  our  compara- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  5g 

tively  smooth  path  with  thine,  and  conclude  we  are 
thorough  idlers ;  yet  we  trust  we  are  numbered 
among  those  servants  who  "  stand  and  wait,"  and 
are  really  willing  to  leave  our  delightful  ceiled 
house  if  it  is  required  of  us.  We  had  some  ex- 
cellent service  in  our  journey  round  the  coast, 
and  as  to  myself,  I  feel  as  if  I  had  nothing  to  do 
but  quietly  study  my  alphabet.  Whether  I  shall 
ever  get  beyond  this  seems  rather  doubtful,  and  I 
can  truly  say  I  have  not  much  anxiety  about  it  ; 
but  I  do  heartily  and  increasingly  desire  that  an 
abundant  portion  of  preserving  grace  may  be  be- 
stowed upon  me,  and  that  I  may  be  kept  from  hour 
to  hour  in  the  coohiess,  the  integrity,  the  wisdom, 
and  the  stability  of  the  truth,  for  hew  innumerable 
are  the  temptations  to  swerve  from  it  in  one  direc- 
tion or  other. 

E.  P.  G.  to  Mary  Anna  Longstreth. 

Earlham,  Eighth  mo.  31st,  1842. 

We  very  much  enjoyed  our  stay  at  Cromer,  espe- 
cially the  daily  intercourse  which  it  afforded  with  our 
precious  sister,  E.  Fry,  who  was  our  near  neighbor, 
and  part  of  the  time  we  were  there  we  had  the  de- 
lightful addition  to  our  party  of  the  Backhouse  fam- 
ily, which  you  will  readily  believe  was  pleasant  to  us 
all.    Dear  E.  Fry,  as  you  know,  is  always  engaged 


jQ        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

in  endeavoring  in  some  way  or  other  to  benefit  her 
fellow-creatures,  and  very  sweet  it  is  to  be  able  to  be 
co-workers  with  her  for  a  season  in  her  labors  of 
love.  There  are  a  great  many  sailors  at  Cromer,  and 
we  had  some  extremely  interesting  meetings  with 
them  (not  exactly  religious  meetings),  which  com- 
menced in  a  very  simple  way.  At  certain  seasons  of 
the  year,  not  having  anything  to  do,  they  are  often 
lounging  about  the  cliff  for  hours  together;  and  one 
day,  looking  over  a  tract  which  seemed  peculiarly 
applicable  to  them,  I  proposed  to  dear  Joseph  that 
we  should  ask  them  to  come  into  our  large  dining- 
room  in  the  evening  and  read  it  to  them.  He  being 
always  ready  to  uphold  me  in  every  good  word  and 
work  immediately  agreed,  and  so  we  strolled  about 
the  cliff  and  invited  them  in  as  we  happened  to  meet 
with  them  scattered  about  in  little  companies.  Quite 
a  large  number  came,  and  I  read  to  them  the  tract 
called  "  The  Two  Seamen,"  to  which  they  listened 
with  the  most  profound  attention,  and  afterward 
dear  J.  addressed  them  very  suitably,  when  they  de- 
parted apparently  well  satisfied  with  the  opportunity. 
On  mentioning  it  to  our  sister  Fry,  and  also  that  we 
intended  having  them  in  very  soon  again,  she  seemed 
much  pleased  with  the  plan,  and  said  she  would  like 
to  be  with  us  when  we  met  next  time.  Accordingly 
a  few  evenings  afterward  we  had  the  room  nearly 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  7 1 

full,  and  it  was  an  occasion  certainly  not  soon  to  be 
forgotten.  The  most  profound  silence  reigned  while 
I  read  to  them  a  very  impressive  tract  entitled  The 
RoU-Call,  or  How  will  you  answer  It?"  Then  my 
dear  J.  spoke  to  them  beautifully,  and  in  a  way  which 
seemed  to  impress  them  very  much  indeed,  and  dear 
E.  F.  addressed  them  sweetly  too,  and  then  appeared 
in  solemn  and  most  striking  supplication.  It  was  a 
time  of  unusual  interest,  and  one  which  I  cannot  at 
all  do  justice  to  by  my  imperfect  mode  of  descrip- 
tion, the  sailors  seemed  so  deeph'  impressed  by  the 
whole  thing.  We  had  one  or  two  very  interesting 
meetings  afterward,  but  I  think  this  was  the  most 
striking,  there  was  such  great  solemnity  from  the 
first,  and  the  tract,  which  perhaps  you  have  read, 
seemed  so  complete!}'  to  rivet  their  attention.  And 
when  my  dearest  Joseph  in  a  solemn  manner  ex- 
horted them  to  be  prepared  for  that  great  day 
wherein  ten  thousand  times  ten  thousand  and  thou- 
sands of  thousands  out  of  every  kindred,  nation, 
tongue,  and  people  would  most  assured!}-  be  sum- 
moned to  appear  before  the  judgment  seat  of  Christ 
to  hear  the  last  roll  called,  the  most  profound  so- 
lemnity prevailed,  and  I  could  almost  fancy  that  I 
heard  the  general  response,  "  How  shall  I  answer 
it?"  But  I  must  not  fill  my  sheet  about  Cromer,  or 
I  could  tell  you  many  interesting  anecdotes  of  our 


J 2        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

visits  to  the  cottages  of  the  coast-guardmen,  estab- 
lishing a  library  for  the  sailors,  etc. 

E.  P.  G.  to  J.  K.  Clarke. 

Earlham,  Eleventh  mo.  25th,  1842. 

.  .  ,  The  delightful  atmosphere  which  I  continually 
breathe  of  love  and  purity,  in  which  the  spirit  of 
defamation,  of  envy,  of  selfishness  has  never  found 
an  entrance,  is  an  atmosphere  I  have  all  my  life 
longed  for  and  had  quite  despaired  of  obtaining, — 
one  in  which  I  have  continually  to  guard  against  the 
evil  propensities  of  my  own  haughty  heart,  that  I 
may  feel  it  a  home  atmosphere,  that  I  may  not 
appear  an  odd  one  in  this  precious  circle. 

I  think  thou  wilt  like  to  hear  how  each  day  passes, 
that  thou  may  be  able  to  picture  us.  We  rise  about 
eight.  At  a  quarter  before  nine  the  bell  rings  for 
family  reading,  and,  all  the  servants  being  collected, 
we  make  quite  a  little  congregation.  Either  Joseph  or 
John  H.  reads  the  New  Testament,  and  I  often  read 
a  psalm  or  a  few  verses  out  of  Priscilla  Gurney's 
collection.  Then  we  all  sally  forth  for  a  walk  till 
breakfast  is  on  the  table,  and  afterwards  my  dearest 
J,  and  myself  adjourn  to  our  beautiful  sitting-room 
for  our  own  private  reading.  Before  this,  however, 
I  always  go  into  the  housekeeper's  room  and  order 
dinner,  etc.    Then  Joseph  and  I  take  a  long  walk, 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 

sometimes  in  the  garden,  sometimes  in  the  park. 
By  the  time  we  reach  home  the  letters  have  come ; 
these  read,  we  go  into  our  respective  sitting-rooms, 
write  letters,  read,  or  employ  ourselves  as  we  like 
till  luncheon  at  one,  after  which  I  often  accompany 
Joseph  to  Norwich,  and  while  he  is  engaged  for  an 
hour  or  two  at  the  bank,  I  visit  the  jail  or  hospital, 
or  perhaps  make  calls  on  the  sick,  and  thus  my  time 
passes  pleasantly  till  he  is  ready  to  return.  We 
dine  at  six,  and  afterwards  adjourn  to  the  drawing- 
room,  where  we  settle  in  for  a  comfortable  evening, 
always  having  some  book  on  hand,  which  we  go  on 
reading,  let  who  may  be  here,  unless  they  are  only 
guests  for  the  day,  J.  H.  is  often  our  reader,  when 
Joseph  employs  himself  with  his  pencil,  and  Anna 
and  I  with  our  needles.  On  First  day  evenings  at 
half-past  eight  the  hall  bell  is  rung,  and  the  Earlham 
cottagers,  amounting,  with  the  servants,  to  about 
forty  persons,  assemble  in  the  ante-room,  where  we 
read  to  them,  and  often  have  an  interesting  little 
meeting  afterwards. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

My  beloved  Mother, — I  am  sure  thou  wilt  be 
interested  in  hearing  that  my  letters  from  America, 
received  this  morning,  have  brought  me  the  sad  in- 
telligence of  the  decease  of  my  dear  Aunt  Fletcher, 

7 


74        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

and  also  of  the  unlooked-for  removal  of  Chalkley 
Shoemaker,  my  sister's  eldest  son. 

Is  it  not  remarkable  how  one  piece  of  mournful 
information  follows  another  in  quick  succession,  till 
it  seems  as  if  my  whole  family  would  be  swept 
away?  I  confess  I  have  felt  a  little  stunned  by  the 
news  of  to-day,  but  nothing  causes  me  the  slightest 
misgiving  as  to  my  being  in  my  right  allotment 
here. 

I  have  always  felt  that  I  was  brought  into  it  by  an 
irresistible  arm  of  power,  and  even  though  all  this 
should  prove  "but  the  beginning  of  sorrows"  (which 
I  have  thought  to-day  was  more  than  possible),  I 
believe  I  shall  feel  that  "  it  is  the  Lord,"  and  trust 
I  shall  be  strengthened  to  say,  "  Let  Him  do  what 
seemeth  Him  good."  But  my  heart  is  very  hard, 
my  dear  mother;  pray  for  me  that  it  may  be  so 
"  exercised"  by  these  multiplied  afflictions  as  to 
bring  forth  the  peaceable  fruits  of  righteousness 
and  true  holiness. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Earlham,  First  mo.  26th,  1843. 
I  was  struck  with  what  thou  sayest  of  being  thank- 
ful to  be  employed  in  so  good  a  Master's  service; 
but  I  fear  I  know  little  of  this  grateful  feeling,  for 
although  I  am  again  and  again  brought  to  the  ac- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNET.  75 

knowledgment  that  hitherto  He  has  helped  me,  my 
faith  for  the  future  often  fails  me,  and  the  exposure 
is  so  utterly  at  variance  with  my  taste  and  inclination 
that  nature  shrinkingly  exclaims,  time  after  time,  "  In 
this  thing,  oh,  in  this  one  thing,  have  me  excused  !" 
But  I  think  I  am  getting  a  little  more  trustful,  and 
have  a  faint  hope  that,  if  I  must  continue  in  this 
crucifying  path  of  faith,  the  day  will  come  when 
perfect  love  will  banish  ever}^  fear, — every  unright- 
eous one  I  mean,  of  course. 


E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Ham  House,*  Fourth  mo.  loth,  1843. 
Mv  BELOVED  Friend, — It  was  a  true  disappoint- 
ment on  arriving  here  to  find  we  were  not  to  see 
thee  again,  and  I  could  not  fully  take  in  the  uncom- 
fortable fact  until  we  got  to  the  meeting-house  this 
morning  and  found  surely  enough  thou  wast  not 
there.  I  trust  thou  hast  been  in  thy  right  place,  and 
if  so,  as  thou  sayest,  it  would  not  have  promoted  the 
comfort  of  either  party  to  have  been  together ;  but  I 
could  have  longed  for  thee  to  partake  with  us  of  the 
true  refreshment  which  was  graciously  afforded  in 
the  unusually  solemn  and  uniting  season  we  were 


*  The  residence  of  Samuel  Gurney. 


^6        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OE 

this  day  favored  with.  The  waters  did  seem  on  our 
first  sitting  down  together  much  more  than  ankle- 
deep,  and  they  soon  became  such  as  a  man  could 
swim  in.  It  was  exactly  the  meeting  thou  wouldst 
thoroughly  have  enjoyed,  and  I  could  not  help  feel- 
ing that  it  might  have  brought  us  together  as  in 
days  of  old,  when  we  did  truly  drink  of  the  same 
spirit,  and  sit  together  in  heavenly  places  in  Christ 
Jesus.  But  though  separated  in  body,  I  trust  we 
were  not  far  distant  in  spirit,  and  that  when  many, 
many  miles  divide  us  thou  wilt  often  remember  us 
for  good.  Nothing  can  exceed  the  full  tide  of  unity 
that  has  poured  in  upon  us  to-day  from  every  quar- 
ter, loudly  calling  for  a  return  of  gratitude  and  praise 
to  Him  whose  covenant  is  sure,  and  who  has  prom- 
ised that  He  never  will  forsake  His  children  whose 
trust  and  confidence  are  placed  in  Him  alone.  Sam- 
uel Tuke's  presence  and  sweet  little  sermon  added 
not  a  little  to  the  weight  and  comfort  of  the  occa- 
sion. I  cannot  pretend  to  tell  thee  who  the  speakers 
were ;  I  counted  about  twenty  that  I  knew,  and  there 
were  many  that  I  did  not  know ;  almost  every  one 
gave  us  a  nice  little  sermon,  and  some  of  them  were 
beautiful  and  most  encouraging. 

May  the  Lord  bless  thee,  my  endeared  friend,  and 
keep  thee  every  moment  under  the  shadow  of  His 
holy  wing,  is  my  sincere  prayer  for  thee. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 

The  above  letter  refers  to  an  engagement  upon 
which  E.  P.  Gurney  was  about  entering  to  accom- 
pany her  husband  and  their  friend,  Josiah  Forster,  in 
an  extended  visit  of  gospel  love  to  France,  Switzer- 
land, and  some  parts  of  Germany.  Elizabeth  Fry 
and  one  of  her  daughters  were  also  of  the  company 
for  a  time.  In  pursuance  of  this  prospect,  they  left 
England  Fourth  mo.  loth,  1843,  with  the  full  con- 
currence of  their  own  meetings.  E.  P.  G.'s  deeply 
interesting  experiences  while  on  this  journey  are 
graphically  described  in  the  following  letters  and 
journal. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Paris,  Fourth  mo.  21st,  1843. 

My  very  dear  Friend, — It  was  at  some  cost 
that  I  left  England  without  seeing  thee  again,  as  I 
had  quite  persuaded  myself  thou  would  be  at  the 
morning  meeting,  though  I  confess  my  impression 
on  parting  with  thee  at  the  Grove  was  very  different. 
I  then  felt  almost  sure  it  would  be  long  before  we 
met  again. 

I  have  often  thought  of  thee  in  our  journey,  how 
much  there  is  in  it  that  thou  wouldst  enjoy,  and  how 
many  of  my  enjoyments  would  have  been  heightened 
by  having  thee  with  us  to  share  their  novelty  with 
me.    Being  in  France  is  an  old  story  to  all  the  party 

7* 


7 3         MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

but  myself,  but  to  thee  it  would  be  equally  striking 
and  new,  and  I  have  often  thought  how  greatly  such 
and  such  a  thing  would  have  amused  thee.  Dear 
Anna  has  probably  told  thee  of  our  arrival  at  Bou- 
logne, visit  to  Amiens,  etc.  We  then  went  on  to 
Clermont,  where  we  had  rather  rude  accommoda- 
tions,  but  the  country  about  it  is  charming.  Josiah 
Forster,  whom  we  find  a  most  agreeable  and  useful 
companion,  took  me  off  after  breakfast  into  a  wood 
to  hear  the  nightingales,  and  very  sweet  they  were. 
The  weather,  too,  was  lovely,  and  the  views  of 
Clermont  and  the  finely-cultivated  valleys  from  the 
neighboring  hills  exceeded  anything  I  almost  ever 
saw  for  charm  and  beauty,  and  would  have  thoroughly 
refreshed  thee  I  am  sure. 

It  is  certainly  much  more  like  travelling  in  Amer- 
ica than  in  England,  and  often  reminds  me  of  our  tour 
through  Cherry  Valley,  in  the  western  part  of  the 
State  of  New  York.  The  light  and  clean-looking 
houses  with  their  green  Venetian  shutters  and  the 
frequent  rows  of  poplars  seem  like  old  friends,  while 
the  bright  sky  and  dry  atmosphere  almost  beguile 
me  into  the  belief  that  I  have  got  back  to  my  own 
native  land.  On  the  other  hand,  the  difficulty  of 
getting  there  was  brought  painfully  home  to  me  in 
my  suffering  sea-voyage,  being  scarcely  able  to 
hold  up  my  head  from  the  time  we  left  Dover  till 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  yg 

we  reached  Boulogne.  I  think  I  scarcely  ever  was 
so  ill  at  sea  before,  and  yet  the  captain  called  it  a 
fair  passage. 

I  think  I  mentioned  in  my  letter  to  Anna,  which  I 
desired  thou  might  see,  that  we  visited  a  miserable 
prison  at  Amiens, — the  people  poorly  employed  and 
looking  dirty  and  uncomfortable  ;  one  poor  boy  shut 
up  in  the  castle,  a  dismal,  dungeon-like,  unhealthy- 
looking  place,  so  damp  I  should  not  think  that  any 
one  could  live  there  long.  But  at  Clermont  we 
visited  a  prison  forming  a  striking  contrast  to  this 
wretched  place.  It  is  on  the  silent  system,  and 
certainly  the  most  favorable  specimen  I  have  seen. 
About  nine  hundred  women,  decently  clothed,  and 
busily  employed,  and  looking  really  comfortable, 
were  quite  a  cheering  sight.  We  were  not  permitted 
to  speak  to  them  at  all,  nor  even  to  our  conductress, 
except  in  a  whisper,  and  therefore  the  most  pro- 
found silence  reigned  throughout,  to  relieve  the 
monotony  of  which  they  occasionally  break  forth 
into  hymn-singing. 

Some  of  them  were  engaged  in  beautiful  embroid- 
ering, others  in  reeling  and  fine  needle-work.  Noth- 
ing could  exceed  the  neatness  of  their  sleeping 
apartments,  about  two  hundred  in  each,  high,  airy, 
and  most  comfortable.  They  are  under  the  care  of 
the  nuns,  and  I  had  just  come  to  the  conclusion  that 


8o        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


they  really  did  deserve  credit  for  this  labor  of  love, 
as  I  supposed  it  to  be,  when  we  were  told  they  were 
amply  repaid  for  their  services.  This  was  a  take-off 
certainly ;  still  one  admires  the  perfect  order  and  true 
cleanliness,  and  I  for  one  am  willing  they  should 
have  their  due.  The  superior  conducted  us  over  the 
house,  and  when  we  returned  to  the  parlor  we  found 
about  twenty  nuns  collected  to  receive  us,  dressed  in 
their  gray  attire  and  neat  white  caps.  They  looked 
all  joy  at  seeing  us,  and  dear  E.  Fry  spoke  very 
nicely  to  them,  which  Katherine  interpreted.  Among 
other  things  she  observed  that  we  were  all  unprofit- 
able servants,  and  that  however  pleasant  and  right 
it  was  to  be  employed  in  good  works,  there  was  no 
merit  due  to  the  creature,  that  we  must  ascribe  all 
praise,  etc.  The  superior  responded  to  her  remarks 
until  she  came  to  this,  when  she  directly  said  in  a 
pathetic  tone,  "  Oh,  yes,  I  think  there  is  a  little  merit 
in  the  performance  of  good  deeds,"  to  which  an  old 
nun,  who  seemed  really  spiritually-minded,  with  a 
very  pleasant  countenance,  replied,  "  But  Madame 
Fry  means  to  convey  to  us  that  she  gets  such  a  re- 
ward at  her  heart  when  she  does  right  that  she  has 
no  need  of  anything  more."  It  was  a  very  interest- 
ing time,  and  they  were  certainly  the  most  satisfac- 
tory set  of  "  Papists,"  as  Joseph  calls  them,  that  I 
have  yet  seen. 


ELIZA  P.  GURXEY. 


8i 


From  Clermont  we  came  to  Chantilly,  a  charming 
place,  where  we  were  quite  refreshed.  Here  we  saw 
the  stables  of  the  great  Conde,  which  I  suppose  are 
the  most  remarkable  things  of  the  kind  in  the  world, 
— beautiful  stalls  for  two  hundred  horses,  and  the 
gilding  of  the  harness  ridiculously  splendid.  We 
did  not  go  into  the  house,  but  the  gardens  are  lovely. 
On  Fourth  day  noon  we  reached  Paris,  and  are  now 
occupying  pleasant  rooms  in  a  hotel  in  one  of  the 
finest  parts  of  this  magnificent  city,  for  so  it  truly 
may  be  called.  Nothing  can  be  warmer  or  kinder 
than  Aunt  Fr\''s  "  dear  friends,''  most  of  whom  speak 
English,  which  is  a  relief  to  me,  who  only  under- 
stand about  five  words  in  ten  in  French.  At  the 
urgent  request  of  the  Countess  Pelet  (who  is  an  in- 
valid) we  all  called  upon  her  yesterday,  and  I  do  not 
know  when  I  have  seen  any  one  who  interested  me 
more,  she  appears  to  have  such  a  truly  Christian 
spirit  and  warm,  affectionate  heart ;  they  sa}'  she  is  so 
like  Rachel  Gurney.  I  was  going  to  speak  to  her 
very  ceremoniously,  but  she  drew  me  towards  her 
and  gave  me  a  hearty  kiss.  Joseph  and  I  have  just 
been  paying  her  a  social  little  visit  in  her  carriage, 
which  was  at  the  door,  and  we  thought  we  would  go 
down  and  inquire  how  she  was  ;  but  she  begged  we 
would  get  in  and  sit  with  her  a  little  while,  and 
seemed  so  full  of  love  that,  although  I  am  rather 


82         MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


slow  in  forming  friendships,  I  begin  already  to  feel 
it  would  be  quite  easy  to  love  her.  We  dine  with 
them  on  Fourth  day  evening,  and  to-morrow  are  in- 
vited to  the  Mallets,  which  Joseph  and  myself  have 
declined.  We  mean  to  spend  an  hour  in  the  evening 
with  them.  E.  Mallet  is  an  interesting  person,  and 
quite  religiously  inclined. 

Last  evening  we  had  a  chief  from  the  Sandwich 
Islands  and  two  or  three  other  gentlemen,  and  this 
morning  we  have  had  a  few  callers,  but  the  tide  has 
not  yet  set  in.  It  is  a  real  trial  to  be  in  this  land 
and  not  speak  the  language.  It  does  not  much  sig- 
nify with  regard  to  the  "  great"  people,  as  many  of 
them  speak  English,  and  I  do  not  know  that  I  have 
much  to  do  with  them  at  any  rate ;  but  when  the 
flocks  of  interesting-looking  people  of  the  poorer 
class  crowded  around  our  carriage  as  we  came  along 
at  every  halting-place,  and  seemed  so  anxious  to  be 
noticed  by  us,  I  quite  longed  to  talk  to  them.  Thou 
wouldst  have  smiled  to  see  the  eagerness  with  which 
they  seized  upon  the  little  books  and  tracts  we  scat- 
tered on  the  road,  and  how  good-naturedly  they 
laughed  aloud  when  they  missed  catching  them. 
Some  of  the  women  have  such  mild,  sweet  faces, 
and  many  of  the  children  are  quite  charming. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNE\.  83 

Meurice  Hotel,  Paris,  Seventh  day  morning. 
My  letter  does  not  seem  to  give  a  true  impression, 
it  looks  as  if  we  were  all  sailing  on  so  smoothly; 
but  I  assure  thee,  my  beloved  friend,  we  sometimes 
find  ourselves  in  troubled  waters,  and  once  or  twice 
have  almost  "  shipped  a  sea."  So  far,  however,  the 
billows  have  not  been  permitted  to  overwhelm  us, 
and  a  very  sweet  dream  which  I  had  a  night  or 
two  since  has  given  me  fresh  confidence  that  they 
never  will.  I  went  to  bed  rather  disturbed  and 
somewhat  comfortless,  but  I  seemed  to  have  a  little 
taste  of  heaven  in  my  slumbers,  and  these  sweet 
words  were  spoken  in  the  gentlest,  kindest,  and 
most  soothing  accents,  "  Peace  I  leave  with  you ; 
my  peace  I  give  unto  you  ;  not  as  the  world  giveth, 
give  I  unto  you."  A  noise  awoke  me,  but  the 
savor  of  this  pledge,  that  our  Lord  is  with  His  fol- 
lowers always,  and  that  He  will  keep  those  in  per- 
fect peace  whose  minds  are  stayed  on  Him,  was 
truly  precious,  and  remained  for  some  time.  Yester- 
day we  made  several  calls,  and  in  the  evening  had 
some  interesting  visitors.  To-morrow  morning  we 
hold  our  little  meeting  in  Ann  Knight's  lodging, 
and  have  a  meeting  in  the  evening  in  the  French 
Methodist  Chapel.  I  think  Joseph  is  rather  better 
for  his  journey,  and  my  sister  altogether  nicely. 


^4        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

Last  evening  we  had  a  call  from  the  Count  and 
Countess  Gasparin,  and  to-day  from  the  Due  de 
Broglie.  The  countess  is  one  of  the  most  pleasing 
persons  I  have  yet  seen. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Parts,  Fifth  mo.  12th,  1843. 
Our  stay  here  has  been  full  of  interest,  and  though 
I  have  been  in  many  respects  led  by  the  way  of 
the  cross,  especially  in  being  so  continually  in  a 
crowd  of  people,  yet  altogether  it  has  been  more 
agreeable  to  me  than  I  anticipated,  and  I  have  felt 
my  heart  really  drawn  in  love  towards  several  indi- 
viduals we  have  met  with.  The  Countess  Pelet  and 
Madame  Andre,  very  sweet  and  humble-minded  Chris- 
tians, I  have  felt  particularly  interested  in,  and  dearest 
Joseph  and  myself  paid  both  of  them  a  thorough 
friendly  family  visit,  which  they  received  with  warm 
and  hearty  thanks.  They  have  both  been  refined  by 
adversity,  and  are  very  superior  women  naturally. 
I  have  also  felt  a  great  attraction  to  some  of  the 
young  people  :  they  speak  English  well,  and  manifest 
true  cordiality  towards  us.  We  have  had  two  very 
interesting  evenings  with  them,  but  as  I  have  given 
the  particulars  in  some  of  my  letters,  which  thou 
wilt  probably  see,  it  is  scarcely  worth  while  to  repeat 
them.    I  forget  whether  I  told  thee  that  we  dined 


ELIZA  P.  GURXEY.  85 

with  Guizot,  and  that  he  took  a  quiet  family  dinner 
with  us,  both  of  which  occasions  were  highly  satis- 
factory. He  is  a  truly  affable  and  polished  gentle- 
man, and  gave  due  attention  to  all  the  various  sub- 
jects that  were  laid  before  him.  His  three  dear 
chiWren  seemed  much  to  enjoy  coming  to  us.  and  a 
few  mornings  since  I  had  them  for  an  hour  or  two 
reading  English  with  them,  in  which  they  have 
made  some  proficiency,  and  are  greatly  pleased  with 
it.  Yesterday  we  attended  a  meeting  for  the  parents 
and  children  of  the  British  and  foreign  schools,  in 
which  Joseph  was  most  interestingly  engaged,  and 
in  the  evening  he  had  a  party,  composed  of  about 
twenty  of  the  first  men  in  Paris,  on  the  anti-slavery 
question.  The  ladies  only  remained  in  the  room 
long  enough  to  have  a  sight  of  these  great  person- 
ages and  then  withdrew,  returning  again  to  take  a 
cup  of  tea  with  them  at  the  close  of  the  evening; 
but  Joseph  and  Josiah  say  it  was  a  most  interesting 
and  relieving  opportunity,  enabling  them  fully  to  un- 
burthen  their  minds  on  this  important  subject,  over 
which  the  French  people  are,  I  should  fear,  in  great 
danger  of  going  to  sleep.  However.  I  trust  they 
were  a  little  roused  last  evening. 

We  have  been  to  see  all  kinds  of  people,  among 
the  rest  the  Baron  Rothschild  and  his  lady,  who  re- 
ceived us  most  hospitably  in  their  splendid  mansion, 

S 


86         MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

which  seems  ready  to  groan  under  its  costly  and 
magnificent  decorations.  They  wished  us  very  much 
to  come  to  dinner,  but  this  we  resolutely  declined. 
We  have  been  interested  in  meeting  the  daughters 
of  Oberlin  and  Lafayette,  both  of  whom  are  said  to 
be  serious  persons.  What  the  extent  of  seriousness 
and,  above  all,  of  self-denial  in  some  of  these  pro- 
fessing Christians  is  it  may  be  difficult  to  determine; 
happily,  we  are  not  their  judges.  I  cannot  but  be- 
lieve many  of  them  have  been  very  seriously  im- 
pressed under  my  dear  sister's  and  husband's  minis- 
trations. As  to  myself,  I  rank  the  little  I  have  had 
to  do  very,  very  low,  and  feel  sure  my  own  heart 
needs  thoroughly  mending  before  I  can  do  much 
toward  cultivating  the  good  seed  in  others.  Yet  I 
have  been  mercifully  helped  to  be  faithful  to  the  little 
that  is  required,  and  have  felt  true  peace  in  giving 
up  my  own  stubborn  will,  which  always,  I  think  I 
may  say,  rises  against  it. 

First  day  morning. 

I  must  just  add  a  line  or  two  to  tell  thee  about 
an  evening  which  we  all  felt  to  be  a  most  weighty 
occasion.  For  my  own  part,  I  may  truly  say,  my 
heart  was  like  lead  all  day,  under  the  apprehension 
that  I  should  have  to  declare  some  plain  truths 
to  a  company  of  Protestants  and  Catholics,  which 
it  seemed  to  me  it  would  be  impossible  to  utter. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 

However,  the  rooms  soon  filled,  and  after  dearest 
Joseph  had  addressed  them  very  interestingly,  I 
repeated  the  blessing  that  was  pronounced  on 
the  children  of  Israel  in  the  Sixth  of  Numbers : 
"  The  Lord  bless  thee  and  keep  thee,"  etc.  ;  then 
observed  that  whilst  I  had  desired  the  best  of  bless- 
ings might  descend  on  every  individual  in  that  com- 
pany, even  the  blessing  that  makes  truly  rich  and  to 
which  no  sorrow  is  added,  I  had  to  remember  the 
solemn  words  which  were  addressed  to  King  Bel- 
shazzar  :  "  Because  thou  hast  not  humbled  thy  heart, 
but  hast  lifted  up  thyself  against  the  God  of  Heaven, 
and  hast  praised  the  gods  of  silver,  of  gold,  of  brass, 
of  wood,  and  of  stone,  which  see  not,  nor  hear,  nor 
know,  and  the  God  in  whose  hand  thy  breath  is,  and 
whose  are  all  thy  ways,  thou  hast  not  glorified,  thou 
art  weighed  in  the  balances  and  found  wanting: 
God  hath  numbered  thy  kingdom  and  finished  it;" 
and  while  I  desired  this  solemn  sentence  might  never 
go  forth  against  any  of  us,  I  thought  we  might  all 
acknowledge  that,  in  one  way  or  other,  we  too  had 
been  praising  the  gods  of  silver  and  gold,  etc.,  and 
had  not  sufficiently  glorified  Him  whose  kingdom  is 
an  everlasting  kingdom.,  and  whose  dominion  is  from 
generation  to  generation.  Yet  our  God  is  a  jealous 
God.  He  will  not  give  His  glory  to  another,  nor  His 
praise  to  any  graven  image ;  He  calls  for  the  whole 


38         MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


heart,  quoting  His  answer  to  the  young  man  who 
inquired,  What  must  I  do  to  inherit  eternal  Hfe  ? 
"  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy 
heart,"  and  then  directing  all  sin-sick  souls  to  Him 
as  the  only  Saviour,  the  Lamb  of  God,  who  taketh 
away  the  sins  of  the  world,  for  there  is  yet  balm  in 
Gilead,  there  is  yet  a  physician  there."  My  sister 
Fry  followed  very  sweetly,  confirming  what  I  had 
said  of  giving  Him  the  undivided  heart,  and  Joseph 
finished  in  solemn  supplication.  I  did  not  know 
how  the  Catholics  would  receive  the  doctrine;  but 
to  my  comfort,  several  of  them  took  me  warmly  by 
the  hand  and  expressed  their  great  satisfaction  in 
what  they  had  heard.  Lafayette's  daughter,  who  is 
one  of  the  serious  among  them,  seemed  full  of  love, 
and  said,  "  We  have  had  a  blessed  evening."  I  can- 
not say  the  weight  that  was  taken  off  my  soul  by 
being  faithful,  but  it  was  no  small  effort,  as  thou 
mayst  suppose.  We  had  two  of  the  ladies  in  wait- 
ing on  the  queen,  the  Baron  Mallet  and  all  his 
family,  Lafavelle,  Count  Pelet,  etc.,  amounting  in  all, 
I  should  think,  to  seventy  persons  or  more. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

FONTAINPLBLEAU,  Fifth  mo.  17th,  1843. 

I  think  I  sent  thee  my  hasty  journal  up  to  Seventh 
day  evening.    On  First  day  morning  we  had  a  sweet 


ELIZA  P.  GURXEY.  3^ 

little  meeting  with  about  twenty  persons  in  our  own 

little  meeting-house,  and  in  the  afternoon  a  large 

and  memorable  one,  certainly  the  best  we  have  had 

in  Paris,  in  a  fine  airy  room  which  we  have  occupied 

on  First  day  afternoons,  and  found  it  answered  well. 

Dear  Joseph,  I  thought,  was  unusually  helped,  as 

well  as  my  sister,  and  the  people  seemed  brimful  of 

kindness  when  the  meeting  closed.    In  the  evening 

we  had  about  seventy  persons  in  our  own  hotel, 

English  exclusively,  and  the  day  ended  in  peace. 

And  now  I  must  go  back  a  little  in  my  story  and 

tell  thee  that  when  Guizot  dined  with  us,  about  a 

week  ago,  my  husband  expressed  his  desire  to  see 

the  king,  to  which  he  replied  that  he  thought  there 

would  be  no  difficult}'  in  obtaining  an  interview,  and 

that  he  would  undertake  to  arrange  it.  However, 

as  several  days  elapsed  and  we  heard  nothing  further, 

Josiah  Forster  called  on  Guizot,  and  informed  him 

that  Joseph  was  about  leaving  Paris ;  but  he  did  not 

receive  much  encouragement  as  to  the  probability  of 

his  obtaining  an  audience,  and  we  had  quite  given 

up  the  expectation  of  it,  so  that  after  having  visited 

the  "  Enfants  Trouves,"  wdiich  is  certainly  one  of  the 

most  affecting  sights  I  ever  witnessed,  and  spent  a 

very  pleasant  ev^ening  with  the  delightful  family  of 

the  Dellesseres,  we  were  preparing  for  a  start  on 

Third  day  morning,  having  all  our  things  packed 

8* 


go        AIEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

up,  when  a  letter  comes  from  Guizot,  announcing 
the  king's  pleasure  that  "  Madame  Fry  and  Mon- 
sieur and  Madame  Gurney"  should  wait  upon  him  at 
Neuilly  (his  own  private  palace,  about  six  miles  from 
Paris)  at  half-past  eleven  the  next  day.  Here  was 
an  end  to  our  journey  for  the  present,  so  our  party 
amused  and  occupied  themselves  in  various  ways. 
For  my  own  part,  I  was  very  glad  of  the  opportunity 
of  seeing  the  refuge  for  poor  penitents,  an  admirably 
ordered  institution,  which  I  had  much  wished  to  see, 
and  in  the  evening  we  were  all  interested  in  a  nice 
party  of  talented  gentlemen  whom  Aunt  Fry  had 
invited  to  meet  her  on  the  prison  question.  This 
afforded  Joseph  an  opportunity  of  fully  relieving  his 
mind  to  several  distinguished  individuals,  so  that 
even  in  this  respect  the  detention  answered  well. 
And  now  I  must  tell  thee  exactly  what  my  feelings 
were  on  finding  that  I  was  included  in  the  invitation 
to  Neuilly,  which  was  quite  an  unsolicited  favor, 
though  I  confess  my  heart  had  been  much  attracted 
towards  the  royal  family,  and  I  thought  more  than 
once,  Had  I  mamma's  faithfulness,  I  should  ask  for 
an  interview."  Notwithstanding,  when  the  unlooked- 
for  permission  came,  I  was  almost  ready  to  decline 
the  favor;  but  it  seemed  to  be  sealed  on  my  spirit 
that  if  I  went  in  simplicity,  and  was  faithful  to  what 
was  made  manifest,  I  should  feel  a  greater  flow  of 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  qI 

peace  and  joy  than  I  had  yet  experienced  since  I 
came  to  Paris.  So  we  dressed  ourselves  up  in  our 
neatest  and  away  we  went.  My  heart  was  none  of 
the  h'ghtest,  I  assure  thee,  and  when  on  observing  to 
my  sister  that  I  thought  we  must  not  shrink  from 
doing  our  duty,  whatever  it  might  be,  she  rephed 
that  when  she  was  with  the  king,  some  years  ago,  it 
seemed  almost  impossible  to  introduce  anything  of 
a  serious  nature,  the  load  was  increased,  and  by  the 
time  w^e  reached  the  palace  I  felt  sober  enough, 
being  almost  convinced,  from  a  certain  sort  of  op- 
pression which  never  deceives  me,  that  so  surely  as 
I  went  into  the  palace  I  should  have  to  request  to 
have  a  religious  opportunity  with  the  part  of  the 
royal  family  we  might  happen  to  see.  We  w^ere 
shown  into  the  king's  reception-room,  where  we 
remained  about  five  minutes,  and  were  then  ushered 
into  the  presence  of  the  queen,  the  Princess  Ade- 
laide, the  king's  sister,  and  three  or  four  ladies  in 
waiting,  beside  the  aides-de-camp.  The  queen  re- 
ceived us  with  the  greatest  kindness,  desired  us  to 
be  seated,  inquired  about  our  visit  to  P  aris,  journey 
for  the  summer,  etc.,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  truly 
intelligent  and  agreeable-looking  king  appeared. 
We  all  rose  to  receive  him,  according  to  etiquette, 
but  he  begged  us  to  be  seated,  and  on  finding  I  was 
from  Philadelphia,  he  spoke  with  apparent  pleasure 


g2         MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

of  having  attended  Friends'  meeting  in  Second 
Street  before  I  was  born.  My  sister  Fry  then  al- 
luded to  the  affecting  circumstance  of  the  sudden 
death  of  the  Duke  of  Orleans,  which  they  have  all 
felt  extremely,  and  expressed  her  sympathy  for 
them,  and  afterward  she  introduced  the  prison  sub- 
ject. Then  Joseph  gave  them  a  short  account  of  the 
present  state  of  the  free  West  India  Islands.  They 
listened  with  great  attention  to  both  statements,  and 
we  had  some  interesting  conversation  in  reference  to 
them ;  but  I  found  I  dare  not  leave  it  here,  and  ac- 
tually had  courage  to  request  permission  to  express 
what  was  resting  on  my  mind  toward  them.  They 
instantly  bowed  assent,  the  king  saying,  "  Certainly, 
certainly,"  in  the  most  gracious  manner,  and  after  a 
short  pause  I  was  strengthened  to  address  them  for 
several  minutes  in  an  unexcited  manner,  and  with 
more  quietness  of  spirit  than  I  have  often  known 
when  speaking  to  the  humblest  individual.  I  think 
in  mercy  I  was  raised  above  all  fear  for  the  moment; 
the  ladies,  including  the  queen,  directly  dropped 
their  worsted  work  in  which  they  were  busily  en- 
gaged, and  they  were  all  profoundly  attentive  until 
I  had  done,  when  the  king  in  the  kindest  manner 
exclaimed,  "  Allow  me  to  return  you  our  heartfelt 
thanks  for  your  good  wishes  and  prayers  for  our 
family,"  with  several  other  very  kind  expressions,  to 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  93 

which  the  queen  and  Princess  Adelaide  most  cordi- 
ally responded.  Then  my  sister  and  Joseph  in  a 
few  appropriate  sentences  set  their  seal  to  what  I 
had  said,  and  desired  their  heavy  afflictions  might 
work  for  them  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal 
weight  of  glory,  etc. 

After  the  interchange  of  a  few  kind  expressions 
we  rose  to  depart,  when  the  queen  with  a  great  deal 
of  feeling  turned  towards  me  and  observed,  "  I  must 
thank  you  from  my  heart  for  your  prayers  for  us," 
to  which  the  Princess  Adelaide  subjoined,  "  Yes, 
from  our  hearts  we  thank  you,"  and  the  king,  coming 
forward  and  putting  out  his  hand,  said  in  the  kindest 
manner,  "  Allow  me  to  shake  you  by  the  hand,  and 
again  express  my  warmest  and  most  grateful  thanks." 
So  thou  seest  I  was  abundantly  rewarded,  even  in 
this  way,  for  my  first  act  of  dedication  before  the 
great  ones  of  the  earth.  After  we  left  the  palace, 
Joseph  said  he  had  been  so  reminded  of  thy 
prophecy  that  "  I  would  one  day  see  more  of  royalty 
than  ever  my  sister  Fry  had  done,"  and  insisted  upon 
my  putting  down,  as  nearly  as  I  could  remember  it, 
just  what  I  had  communicated  and  send  it  to  thee, 
which  I  have  accordingly  done.  But  thou  must  not 
expose  it,  lest  it  may  convey  the  notion  of  my  feel- 
ing myself  of  some  importance  in  the  world,  when 
truly  I  never  felt  so  utterly  unequal  to  do  any  good 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

thing  in  my  own  strength,  and  seldom  have  I  known 
such  seasons  of  deep  abasedness  of  spirit  as  during 
our  truly  interesting  stay  in  Paris.  I  began  with 
saying,  "  Whilst  I  have  earnestly  desired  that  the  best 
of  blessings  may  descend  upon  the  king  and  queen 
of  the  French,  and  upon  every  member  of  the  royal 
family,  my  heart  has  been  touched  by  the  remem- 
brance that  even  kings  and  princes  are  not  exempt 
from  the  common  lot  of  humanity,  but  that  the  in- 
teresting circle  now  before  me  have  had  to  partake 
largely  of  the  bitter  drauglit  of  adversit}^"  and  I 
begged  to  be  permitted  to  remind  them  of  the  words 
of  sacred  Scripture  :  "  The  Lord  doth  not  willingly 
afflict  nor  grieve  the  children  of  men,  but  whom  He 
loveth  He  chasteneth  ;  and  as  a  tender  father  pitieth 
his  children,  so  the  Lord  pitieth  them  that  fear  Him, 
for  He  knoweth  our  frame,  He  remembereth  that  we 
are  dust." 

"  My  heart  has  been  tendered  under  a  sense  of  the 
painful  exemplification  which  th^  royal  family  of 
France  have  lately  had  of  the  succeeding  words  : 
*  As  for  man,  his  days  are  as  grass,  as  a  flower  of  the 
field  so  he  flourisheth;  for  the  wind  passeth  over  it 
and  it  is  gone,  and  the  place  thereof  shall  know  it  no 
more.'  Yet  sad  as  are  these  reflections,  how  con- 
soling is  the  assurance  of  the  Psalmist,  '  That  the 
mercy  of  the  Lord  is  from  everlasting  to  everlasting 


ELIZA  P.  GURKEY. 

on  them  that  fear  Him,  and  His  righteousness  unto 
children's  children  to  all  those  who  keep  His  cove- 
nant and  remember  His  commandments  to  do  them.' 
May  I  then  be  allowed  to  express  my  ardent  desire 
for  the  king  and  queen  of  the  French,  that  by  faith- 
fully keeping  their  covenant  with  their  God,  and  re- 
membering all  His  commandments  to  do  them,  they 
may  know  that  peace  which  passeth  all  understand- 
ing to  rest  upon  them ;  yea,  that  their  peace  may  ever 
flow  as  a  river,  and  that  the  mercy  of  their  God  and 
Father  may  descend  upon  their  children  and  their 
children's  children  to  all  generations;  and  finally, 
being  washed  and  made  w^hite  in  the  precious  foun- 
tain of  a  Saviour's  blood,  they  may  through  the 
abounding  love  and  mercy  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus 
our  Lord  be  received  into  that  kingdom  of  eternal 
blessedness  where  the  wncked  cease  from  troubling 
and  the  weary  are  at  rest,  where  kings  lay  dow^n  their 
sceptres  and  worship  Him  who  is  the  blessed  and 
only  Potentate,  the  King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords, 
and  who  is  indeed  both  now  and  everlastingly  worthy 
of  all  our  service,  adoration,  thanksgiving,  and  praise." 

There  were  tears  in  the  queen's  eyes,  I  believe, 
more  than  once,  and  she  seemed  particularly  to  feel 
the  allusion  to  the  sudden  removal  of  her  son,  which 
has,  we  understand,  been  a  great  blow  to  them 
all.  .  .  . 


q5      memoir  and  correspondence  of 

I  wanted  to  tell  thee  about  our  affecting  visit  to 
the  "  Enfants  Trouves,"  where  we  saw  hundreds  of 
poor  little  new-born  babies,  bleating  like  lambs  for 
their  mothers.  They  told  us  they  received  about 
thirteen  a  day,  of  whom  about  one-third  die.  Their 
little  curtained  beds  looked  truly  pretty,  and  I  en- 
joyed quieting  several  of  the  poor  little  innocents  by 
patting  them  on  their  backs.  They  wrap  them  up  in 
thick  blankets,  so  that  they  can  neither  move  hand 
nor  foot,  and  nothing  can  exceed  the  pallid  and 
almost  deathlike  appearance  of  many  of  them. 

J.  J.  Gurney  to  Anna  Backhouse. 

The  loveliest  of  all  the  ladies  whom  we  have  seen 
and  to  whom  thy  mother  has  been  attracted  is  the 
Duchess  of  Orleans,  whom  we  visited  by  appointment 
yesterday  morning.  She  received  us  alone  at  the 
Tuileries  in  the  kindest  and  most  open  manner,  and 
interested  us  very  deeply.  She  is  simple,  refined, 
unaffected,  and  warm-hearted,  of  a  slender  frame, 
and  a  most  pleasing  countenance.  She  spoke  most 
affectionately  of  Aunt  Fry,"  and  after  some  easy 
friendly  conversation  thy  dear  mother  proposed  si- 
lence, which  was  immediately  complied  with.  Soon 
afterwards  she  addressed  the  duchess,  who  speaks 
and  understands  English  well,  with  remarkable  force 
and  clearness,  expressing  the  deep  and  tender  sym- 


ELIZA  P.  GURXEY.  gy 

pathy  which  she  had  felt  for  her  before  leaving  Eng- 
land ;  citing  various  passages  of  Scripture  relating 
to  those  sudden  and  terrible  afflictions  which  are 
sometimes  permitted,  and  contrasting  them  with 
others;  depicting  the  rich  and  abundant  consola- 
tions of  the  gospel  ;  declaring  her  belief  that,  should 
further  troubles  assail  her,  she  would  be  supported 
and  comforted,  quoting  the  twentieth  Psalm,  "  The 
Lord  hear  thee  in  the  day  of  trouble  ;"  and  that  her 
prayers  for  herself  and  her  children  were  and  would 
be  answered.    The  scene  was  truly  touching. 

E.  P.  G.  to  M.  A.  Williams. 

Fifth  mo.  28th,  1843. 

We  are  now  among  the  dear,  simple-hearted 
friends  of  Nimes,  having  paid  a  most  interesting  and 
memorable  visit  of  a  week  at  Lyons.  Two  of  the 
evenings  especially  I  think  we  shall  not  soon  forget. 
Between  two  and  three  hundred  persons  were  as- 
sembled at  our  hotel,  and  after  interesting  them  for 
about  an  hour,  the  first  evening  on  the  subject  of 
emancipation,  and  the  second  on  the  desirableness 
of  im.provement  in  prison  discipline,  the  advantage 
of  the  solitary  system,  etc.,  we  gradually  got  into 
a  profound  silence,  and  had  one  of  the  most  solemn 
religious  meetings  I  ever  attended. 

Then  we  came  to  Avignon,  where  we  had  two 
9 


9 8        MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

sweet  little  meetings,  and  arrived  here  yesterday, 
greatly  to  our  satisfaction.  We  go  to  Congenies 
next  week,  and  then  to  Switzerland.  Will  it  not  be 
a  treat  to  see  that  lovely  country  ? 

E.  P.  G.  to  J.  K.  Clarke. 

Valence,  Sixth  rao.  i8th,  1843. 

Dear  Joseph  has  been  extremely  ill,  and  is  only 
now  so  far  recovered  as  to  enable  us  to  go  forward 
toward  Geneva  by  easy  journeys  and  with  great 
care.  Thou  mayst  imagine  what  it  has  been  to 
have  him  laid  low  with  an  alarming  attack  of  fever 
at  Congenies,  a  little  village  in  which  it  is  difficult  to 
obtain  the  very  necessaries  of  life,  ten  miles  from  a 
medical  man  in  whom  we  could  have  any  confidence, 
and  the  dwelling  we  were  in  quite  as  rough  as  the 
log  houses  in  the  backwoods  of  America.  However, 
this  rude  abode  was  made  comfortable  and  even  pleas- 
ant to  us  by  the  kind  and  affectionate  attentions  of 
the  dear  friend  to  whom  it  belonged,  but,  above  all, 
by  the  lifting  up  of  the  light  of  the  countenance  of 
Him  in  whose  presence,  even  under  the  most  painful 
circumstances,  there  is  fulness  of  joy. 

The  meetings  have  been  very  large  and  satisfac- 
tory, and  truly  cheering  it  has  been  to  find  so  many 
weary  of  the  form  and  panting  for  the  substance, 
awaking  to  the  truth  of  the  apostle's  doctrine  that 


ELIZA  P.  GURXEY.  gg 

"the  letter  killeth,  but  the  spirit  giveth  life."  At 
Lyons,  Chalons,  Avignon,  and  Nimes  we  found  this 
most  especially  the  case,  and  in  each  place  we  had 
large  public  meetings,  besides  the  smaller  towns  and 
villacres  in  all  their  neis^-hborhoods. 

It  was  most  pleasant  when  we  got  to  Nimes  to 
sit  down  once  again  with  our  own  friends,  who  have  a 
little  meeting  there,  composed  of  six  or  seven  families 
and  the  dear  children  at  the  school,  which  has  been 
lately  opened,  and  promises  to  be  a  real  blessing  to 
the  little  band  at  Nimes  and  Congenies,  in  whom 
we  felt  a  deep  and  lively  interest.  Christine  ]\Iajolier, 
whose  name  I  do  not  doubt  thou  hast  often  heard,  is 
a  superior  person,  and  a  great  stay  to  the  society 
about  these  parts.  Indeed,  I  do  not  know  what 
they  would  do  without  her,  as  she  is  clerk  both 
for  the  men  and  women  at  the  Two-Months'  Meeting, 
and  a  most  useful  person  e\-er\'  way. 

E.  P.  G.  to  her  Aunt  Paul. 

Seventh  mo.,  1S43. 

My  last,  I  think,  was  sent  from  Valence  to  my 
sister  Julia,  and  I  know  you  will  be  glad  to  hear 
that  since  that  time  my  beloved  husband  has  made 
steady  progress  toward  the  recovery  of  his  health, 
and  that  I  have  now  the  true  comfort  of  seeing  him 
stronger  and  better  than  he  has  been  for  a  twelve- 


lOO      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


month.  Indeed,  he  often  says  he  feels  quite  well 
again.  This  is  an  unspeakable  favor,  and  one  for 
which  I  desire  to  be  duly  thankful.  After  we  ieft 
Valence,  we  spent  a  few  days  at  Grenoble,  where  we 
had  some  large  and  interesting  meetings  with  the 
little  band  of  Protestants  who  reside  there. 

We  then  proceeded  to  Geneva,  and  remained  in 
the  neighborhood  about  three  weeks.  Many  cir- 
cumstances combined  to  make  this  period  one  of  the 
most  interesting  of  our  summer  tour.  In  the  first 
place,  it  was  our  introduction  into  Switzerland, — a 
country  which  I  have  had  a  longing  to  visit  all  my  life, 
and  which,  now  I  have  seen  it,  I  can  acknowledge 
not  only  equals,  but  far  exceeds  my  expectations 
with  regard  to  its  unique  character  of  picturesque 
loveliness.  In  the  next  place,  we  became  acquainted 
with  several  excellent  and  eminent  persons,  for  whom 
Geneva  is  celebrated, — D'Aubigne,  the  author  of  the 
"  Reformation,"  who  is  one  of  the  finest  and  most 
sensible-looking  men  I  ever  saw;  Gaussen,  the  author 
of  the  "  Theopneustic,"  also  a  highly-talented  and 
serious  man ;  and  with  the  Baroness  de  Stael  we 
were  extremely  pleased,  a  thoroughly  accomplished 
lady,  yet  an  humble  Christian. 

The  most  striking  time  we  had,  however,  was  on 
the  occasion  of  a  breakfast  to  which  my  husband  and 
Josiah  Forster  thought  it  right  to  invite  many  of  the 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


lOI 


serious  people  of  Geneva,  including  about  twelve  or 
fifteen  pastors,  some  of  them  truly  spiritually-minded 
men  I  have  no  doubt.  We  had  a  pleasant,  social 
meal,  and  afterward  a  memorable  meeting,  which 
seemed  to  bring  us  very  near  together,  making  us 
realize  our  Saviour's  words  :  One  is  your  Master, 
even  Christ,  and  all  ye  are  brethren;'  Their  hearts 
were  full  of  love  and  kindness  when  they  parted 
from  us,  and  I  quite  believe  our  coming  together 
was  not  in  vain. 

Extracts  from  E.  P.  G.'s  Journal. 

Geneva,  Seventh  mo.  lOth,  1843. — ^  cannot  pre- 
tend to  describe  the  loveliness  of  our  drive  from 
Grenoble  to  Chambery.  The  fertile  valley  of 
Idere,  with  its  beautifully-trellised  vines,  its  flowery 
chestnut-trees,  its  bright  green  fields  of  grass  and 
grain,  with  here  and  there  a  well-filled  team  or  two, 
surrounded  by  the  happy  haymakers,  both  men 
and  women,  the  latter  with  their  gypsy  hats  and 
cherry-colored  handkerchiefs  and  aprons,  formed 
one  of  the  most  charming  pictures  I  have  ever  seen. 
The  effect  was  magical,  and  it  became  a  perfect  fairy- 
scene  when,  added  to  all  this,  upon  our  right  the 
snow-clad  Alps  of  almost  dazzling  whiteness  burst 
on  the  view,  and  to  the  left  the  rock-ribbed  moun- 
tains formed  a  magnificent  and  towering  battlement 

9* 


I02       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


for  many  miles.  The  cold  expression  of  the  eternal 
snows  contrasted  strangely  with  the  almost  golden 
flood  of  light  and  heat  that  poured  upon  us  from  a 
burning  sun,  and  we  could  scarcely  think  the  whole 
was  no  illusion.  The  next  day  we  reached  Annecy, 
and  had  a  lovely  row  upon  the  lake  just  as  the  sun 
was  setting.    The  scenery  was  truly  beautiful. 

On  Fourth  day  noon  we  got  to  this  sweet  home, 
and  found  most  pleasant  rooms  provided  for  us  on 
the  Rhone. 

On  Fifth  day  we  took  the  steamer  for  Vevay, 
and  a  delightful  excursion  we  had.  The  mountain- 
scenery,  as  you  approach  Vevay,  is  truly  charming, 
and  our  hotel  in  the  best  situation  possible  for  an 
entire  view  of  it.  On  Sixth  day  morning  we  took  a 
carriage  and  drove  to  Villeneuve,  stopping  to  see 
John  Backhouse's  delightful  residence  upon  the  lake, 
where  they  had  spent  six  months  some  years  ago. 

We  looked  at  Chillon,  too,  with  real  interest,  and 
my  husband  sketched  it.  The  footprints  in  the 
prison-floor,  worn  by  poor  Bonnivard,  and  the  islet 
with  **  three  trees,"  so  exactly  answering  to  the 
poet's  lines,  were  curiously  attractive,  for  I  thought 
I  had  grown  far  too  prosaic  to  care  aught  about 
them.  And  then  I  do  so  utterly  condemn  Lord 
Byron's  course,  I  hardly  liked  to  be  so  influenced  by 
his  productions.    Had  he  but  used  his  master-mind 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  103 

to  improve  and  not  demoralize  his  species,  we  can- 
not calculate  the  vast  results.  This  observation  will 
apply  with  equal  or  greater  force  to  that  incalculably 
naughty  man,  Napoleon,  who  is  almost  idolized  in 
France  for  his  bad  deeds. 

At  Villeneuve,  which  is  at  the  head  of  the  lake, 
we  again  took  the  steamer  and  returned  to  this  place. 
Just  before  we  landed  a  sweet-looking  lady  came  up 
to  me  and  introduced  herself  by  saying  she  believed 
I  had  seen  her  sister,  the  Princess  of  Orange,  at  the 
Hague.  I  replied  that  my  husband  had  ;  on  which 
she  immediately  rejoined,  "  Oh,  I  was  sure  that  must 
be  Mr.  Gurney,  from  my  sister's  description  of  him." 
We  had  some  pleasant  conversation  afterward,  dear 
Joseph  joining  us,  and  yesterday  morning  she  called, 
attended  by  her  lady  in  waiting.  It  appears  she  is 
the  eldest  daughter  of  the  king  of  Wiirtemberg,  and 
is  married  to  the  son  of  the  husband  of  Maria  Louisa 
(former  wife  of  Napoleon).  His  name  is  Niepberg. 
There  is  something  remarkably  sweet  and  simple 
about  her,  and  at  my  husband's  suggestion  I  wrote 
her  a  little  note. 

Seventh  mo.  25th,  1843. — rio^^'  happily 
out  of  Geneva  without  the  weight  of  a  feather 
upon  us,  but  truly  the  three  weeks  that  we  passed 
in  its  vicinity  had  as  much  of  weight  and  trial 
in  them  as  it  was  easy  at  seasons  to  bear.  There 


J  04      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

are  many  very  interesting  and  highly  intellectual 
people  at  Geneva,  and  many  high  professors.  How 
much  there  is  of  simple,  genuine,  unmixed  Chris- 
tianity is  not  for  us  to  judge.  There  is  much 
diversity  of  sentiment,  and  perhaps  some  want  of 
charity,  among  them.  There  were,  however,  sev- 
eral pastors  who  appeared  to  be  really  devoted  men, 
with  whose  company  we  were  much  pleased.  A 
strong  prejudice  evidently  existed  against  women's 
ministry,  of  which  we  heard  as  soon  as  we  arrived; 
and,  with  the  burden  which  was  certainly  laid  upon 
me  towards  the  people,  I  was  placed  in  the  most 
painful  and  apparently  indissoluble  bonds.  I  scarcely 
know  which  was  the  most  annoying,  the  objection  in 
the  minds  of  some,  or  the  strong  curiosity  and  in- 
clination in  others,  inducing  them  to  beg  that  I 
would  speak.  But  truly  our  merciful  Lord  does 
make  a  way  for  us  where  we  can  see  no  way.  Did 
any  ever  trust  in  Him  and  were  confounded?  Our 
first  meeting  was  in  our  own  hotel,  and  very  satisfac- 
tory ;  afterward  my  husband  gave  an  account  of  his 
visit  to  the  West  Indies  to  a  large  company  in  the 
Casino,  six  or  seven  hundred.  He  told  his  story 
well,  giving  it  a  very  instructive  turn  toward  the 
close,  reminding  them  that  there  was  a  slavery  even 
more  terrible  and  more  to  be  dreaded  than  that 
under  which  the  poor  Africans  groaned, — the  cruel 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY,  IO5 

bondage  of  a  tyrannizing  world ;  directing  their 
attention  to  the  one  great  Liberator,  whose  blessed 
office  it  is  to  burst  every  bond  and  let  the  oppressed 
go  free.  Nothing  could  exceed  the  solemn  silence 
which  prevailed  throughout,  and  I  believe  it  was  a 
time  of  favor  that  will  be  long  remembered  by  many. 
On  First  day  evening  he  had  a  large  meeting  for 
worship  at  the  Casino,  which  was  also  very  satisfac- 
tory, and  in  the  course  of  the  week  we  paid  several 
social  visits,  which  ended  with  religious  opportuni- 
ties. On  Second  day  morning,  intending  to  leave 
the  next  day,  we  gave  a  breakfast  to  all  the  ''pas- 
tors" at  Geneva  and  several  other  serious  gentlemen, 
amounting  in  all  to  about  twenty-one.  We  had  a 
very  pleasant  meal,  and  after  my  husband  had  read 
a  portion  of  Scripture,  and  addressed  them  in  a  beau- 
tiful and  appropriate  manner,  I  was  constrained  to 
relieve  my  mind  toward  those  who  were  ambassa- 
dors for  Christ."  It  was  no  small  trial  to  me  to  be 
faithful  on  this  occasion,  especially  as  the  two  min- 
isters who  were  said  to  be  so  entirely  opposed  to 
women's  ministry  were  sitting  near  me;  but  instead 
of  being  offended  by  what  I  said,  they  were  as 
cordial  as  possible  afterward,  hoping  the  Lord  might 
bless  our  labors  of  love,  and  expressing  with  many 
others  the  comfort  and  satisfaction  they  had  had  in 
the  opportunity. 


I06      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


In  the  evening  we  took  tea  at  Colonel  Frouchin's, 
where  we  again  met  with  several  of  our  morning 
company,  and  many  more,  a  party  probably  of  sixty- 
five  or  seventy.  A  very  sweet  evening  we  had, 
visiting  the  capital  chalet  which  this  truly  liberal 
man  has  erected  for  the  sick  poor,  at  his  own  ex- 
pense and  on  his  own  grounds.  We  had  a  religious 
opportunity  with  the  inmates,  I  hope  to  their  re- 
freshment, and  afterwards  with  the  party  at  the 
chateau,  to  our  own  relief  and  comfort. 

"  If  ye  then  be  risen  with  Christ,  seek  those  things 
that  are  above,"  etc.  Their  hearts  seemed  to  over- 
flow with  love  and  kindness  toward  us,  and  we 
parted  from  them  not  expecting  to  see  their  faces 
again  in  this  scene  of  mutability  ;  but,  to  our  sur- 
prise and  pleasure,  a  few  of  them  waylaid  us  on  our 
road  next  day  to  take  a  final  leave.  It  was  very 
bright  and  cheering  to  see  them  once  again,  and  the 
effort  which  they  made  for  it,  waiting  some  time  in 
the  heat,  proved  their  sincerity.  At  Yverdun  and 
Neufchatel  my  dear  husband  had  good  service  in 
meetings  appointed  in  the  Oratoire,  and  therefore,  of 
course,  I  could  have  no  part  in  them,  as  women  are 
not  allowed  to  speak  in  their  churches. 

We  are  now  at  Berne  (Seventh  mo.  30th),  and 
expecting  to  hold  a  meeting  in  our  inn  this  evening 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  107 

We  reached  this  place  on  Fifth  day  evening,  and 
on  Sixth  day  noon  we  took  a  drive  to  Hofwyl.  I 
cannot  say  that  the  spirit  of  this  place  is  very  satis- 
factory, and  greatly  fear  that,  commendable  as  Fel- 
lenberg's  system  is  in  many  respects,  there  is  not 
a  full  recognition  of  Divine  truth  to  be  found  in  it, 
and  hence  is  an  indescribable  chilliness  over  the 
whole  thing,  which  is  very  uncomfortable. 

Zuridi,  Eighth  mo.  7th. — We  had  a  truly  satis- 
factory meeting  at  Berne  on  First  day  evening.  A 
burthened  mind  was  my  portion  all  through  the 
day,  which  is  always  an  earnest,  and  often  a  fearful 
one,  that  I  shall  have  some  part  to  take  in  the  vocal 
service;  and  after  my  dear- husband  had  been  very 
interestingly  engaged  for  nearly  an  hour,  I  had  to 
employ  him  as  my  interpreter  while  I  warned  the 
assembly,  composed  as  it  was  of  serious  people,  of 
the  danger  of  self-confidence,  and  pointed  out  the 
necessity  of  placing  our  whole  dependence  upon 
Him  who  can  alone  preserve  us  from  the  power  of 
the  enemy.  "  Let  him  who  thinketh  he  standeth 
take  heed  lest  he  fall." 

The  meeting  ended  very  solidly,  and  we  had  sev- 
eral serious  persons  in  our  saloon  afterward.  On 
Second  day  morning  we  left  Berne  (where  we  also 
visited  a  school  for  orphans  and  a  refuge  for  naughty 
boys,  both  well  conducted),  and  made  a  lovely  ex- 


I08      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


cursion  to  the  Oberland.  My  husband  wished  to 
have  meetings  at  Thun,  Interlachen,  and  Lauter- 
brunnen,  and  none  of  us  had  any  objection  to  feast 
our  eyes  on  the  delicious  scenery  with  which  this 
part  of  Switzerland  abounds. 

Grindelwald  especially  has  the  most  unique  char- 
acter of  picturesque  loveliness, — the  beautiful  Swiss 
cottages,  with  their  outside  staircases  and  latticed 
balconies,  forming  a  highly  ornamental  feature  in  the 
charming  landscape ;  the  happy-looking  peasants  in 
their  bright  costumes;  the  Alpine  horns  reverberating 
through  the  mountain  fastnesses  ;  the  thrilling  "  Ranz 
des  Vaches,"  sung  with  peculiar  sweetness  by  the 
mountaineers;  the  bounding  goats,  led  frequently 
by  children  down  the  winding  paths ;  the  wondrous 
glaciers,  so  blue  and  beautiful,  which  mock  descrip- 
tion;  and  now  and  then  a  thundering  avalanche 
comes  rolling  down  the  distant  mountain-side, 
adding  fresh  charm  to  this  enchanting  spot.  But, 
beyond  and  above  all,  the  towering  Bernese  Alps, 
capped  with  eternal  snows,  burst  on  your  marvelling 
and  delighted  sight  at  every  turn.  Of  these,  the 
Jungfrau,  Eiger,  Monch,  etc.,  are  conspicuous ;  and 
of  the  beautiful  dark  mountains  in  the  Oberland,  the 
Niesen  stands  unrivalled. 

A  pious  old  schoolmaster  resides  near  the  falls 
(which  are  highly  beautiful),  who  informed  us  that 


ELIZA  P.  GVRNEY.  IO9 

his  grandchildren  were  the  finest  singers  of  the 
"  Ranz  des  Vaches"  on  the  mountains,  and  directly 
summoned  them  to  make  good  his  word,  which  they 
did,  I  have  no  doubt,  for  such  extraordinary  power 
of  the  human  voice  I  never  met  with.  My  husband, 
who  seldom  loses  an  opportunity  of  doing  good, 
had  a  nice  little  meeting  with  them  afterward,  and 
the  tears  trickled  down  the  old  schoolmaster's  face 
while  he  addressed  them. 

Basely  Eighth  mo.  i  ith,  1843. — After  we  left  Thun 
we  came  to  Lucerne,  where,  although  way  did  not 
open  for  a  meeting,  we  were  pleased  with  having  some 
communication  with  a  serious  gentleman  and  his  wife, 
by  the  name  of  Bost:  he  is  a  young  pastor  just 
about  to  settle  at  Amiens.  In  the  afternoon  we  had 
a  delightful  row  on  the  lake,  which  is  one  of  the 
most  romantic  we  have  yet  seen,  and  its  four  arms 
(the  "Quatre  Bras")  curious  and  beautiful.  From 
Lucerne  we  had  a  pleasant  drive  to  Zurich ;  Mount 
Pilatus  rising  up  in  isolated  and  silent  dignit}^  to 
take  his  leave  of  us  on  our  departure.  I  think  this 
is  my  favorite  of  all  the  unsnowed  mountains,  it 
looks  so  thoroughly  majestic,  and  then  its  outline  is 
so  bold,  irregular,  and  truly  fine.  The  clouds  are 
said  always  to  gather  on  it,  and  it  was  capped  with 
them  while  we  were  there,  dark,  lowering  thunder- 
clouds, which  added  to  the  grand  effect  I  think. 

10 


110      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


When  we  arrived  at  Zurich  we  found  that  Gessner, 
the  venerable  old  pastor,  whom  we  hoped  to  see,  was 
just  deceased,  and  that  funeral  sermons  were  to  be 
preached  for  him  in  the  different  chapels  on  the  fol- 
lowing Sabbath.  This,  I  have  no  doubt,  contributed 
to  the  solemnity  of  the  meeting  which  my  husband 
held  in  the  evening,  and  which  proved  a  remarkably 
satisfactory  one.  Our  new  friend,  Matilda  E^her, 
who  belongs  to  the  same  class  as  Christine  Majolier 
and  Sophia  Wurstenberger,  useful  and  independent, 
had  got  the  meeting  up  in  a  suitable  apartment  in 
her  brother's  house.  His  sermon  was  a  very  inter- 
esting comment  upon  the  text,  "  Not  many  wise, 
not  many  mighty,  not  many  noble  are  called,"  and 
seemed  to  make  a  deep  impression  on  the  attentive 
hearers. 

While  we  were  at  Zurich  we  paid  a  delightful  visit 
to  our  dear  friend  the  Countess  Pelet,  who,  with  her 
amiable  husband,  was  at  Baden-Baden,  about  twelve 
miles  off.  She  received  us  with  the  utmost  cordial- 
ity, and  said  she  could  not  refrain  from  weeping 
when  she  found  she  must  leave  the  neighborhood 
the  next  day,  and  therefore  resign  all  hope  of  seeing 
us,  as  her  health  was  too  delicate  to  make  the  exer- 
tion to  come  to  us.  She  is  certainly  the  finest 
woman  we  have  seen  on  the  Continent,  both  as  re- 
gards the  natural  powers  of  her  comprehensive  mind, 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


her  superior  cultivation,  and  the  soundness  and  set- 
tlement of  her  religious  principles.  We  seem  to 
have  been  drawn  together  by  a  very  strong  bond, 
and  I  trust  our  Christian  friendship  may  not  end 
here. 

At  Zurich  we  were  much  interested  in  visiting  the 
unmarried  daughter  of  Lavater,  who  resides  in  the 
house  in  which  he  was  born.  She  is  evidently  a 
woman  of  a  sorrowful  spirit,  apparently  too  refined 
and  sensitive  to  pass  easily  through  the  roughnesses 
of  this  world,  but  alive  in  the  truth,  and  cheered  upon 
her  dark  and  thorny  way  by  the  blessed  hope  of  a 
glorious  immortality.  She  showed  us  a  small  library 
of  her  father's  manuscript  books,  and  appears  to  have 
the  highest  veneration  for  his  memory. 

We  had  a  large  and  very  interesting  meeting  at 
Schaffhausen,  in  which  dear  Joseph  was  well  inter- 
preted by  a  nice  young  man,  and  toward  the  close 
of  the  meeting  I  was  considerably  frightened  by  feel- 
ing a  concern  to  rise,  as  he  could  only  translate  from 
French  into  German,  and  that  I  could  not  speak. 
However,  in  a  little  faith,  I  ventured  to  commence  in 
English  ;  my  husband  kindly  put  it  into  French,  and 
the  interpreter  into  German,  sentence  by  sentence, 
until  I  had  done,  and  the  meeting  ended  under  a 
covering  of  much  solemnity. 

We   left  Schaffhausen   on   Fifth   day  morning, 


112      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


and  came  on  to  Basel,  where  we  now  are,  in  the 
poorest  accommodations  we  have  had  in  Switzer- 
land. On  our  way  thither  we  visited  Burgen,  a 
well-conducted  institution,  under  the  care  of  Zeller, 
a  man  of  good  spirit  and  respectable  abilities ;  his 
wife  seems  an  efficient  helper,  and  both  the  children 
and  the  young  men  who  are  preparing  for  teachers 
looked  very  agreeable.  The  spirit  of  the  whole 
thing  was  a  perfect  contrast  to  Hofwyl,  where  there 
is  more  talent,  more  display,  more  exact  arrange- 
ment, and  more  completeness  in  many  ways,  but  far 
less  of  the  one  great  charm  of  all  benevolent  estab- 
lishments,— the  integrity  and  simplicity  of  the  truth 
as  it  is  in  Jesus.  At  Burgen  my  husband  had  an 
interesting  little  meeting  with  the  thirty-five  young 
men  who  are  qualifying  themselves  for  teachers,  and 
when  we  came  down  to  the  yard  we  found  the  chil- 
dren, who  had  been  in  the  fields  at  work,  all  assem- 
bled to  meet  us.  Both  he  and  Josiah  addressed 
them,  to  which,  at  the  request  of  their  master,  they 
returned  a  hearty  "  Danke !"  in  full  concert,  and  we 
parted  from  them  very  agreeably  impressed  with  the 
good  order  of  this  establishment. 

Basel,  Eighth  mo.  14th. — On  First  day  morning 
we  had  our  own  little  meeting,  in  which  my  hus- 
band was  engaged  in  supplication  very  sweetly,  and 
I  had  afterward  to  express  a  few  words,  to  my 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  II3 

humiliation,  for  it  is  seldom  more  trying  to  me  to 
speak  than  in  these  very  small  assemblies  composed 
of  our  own  party. 

In  the  evening  we  had  a  larger  meeting  at  the 
Mission  House,  in  which  my  husband  was  very 
solemnly  engaged,  both  in  ministry  and  prayer,  and 
afterward  we  partook  of  the  humble  supper  of  the 
missionaries. 

Carlsriihe,  Eighth  mo.  i6th,  1843. — On  Second 
day  morning  we  left  Basel,  and  came  on  to  Stras- 
burg,  where,  after  a  time  of  no  small  suffering,  we 
had  a  large  and  relieving  meeting.  My  own  mind 
had  been  very  much  attracted  to  this  place,  yet  as  the 
meeting  was  to  be  held  at  the  Oratoire,  there  seemed 
no  possibility  of  relief,  as  we  have  always  under- 
stood that  there  was  an  entire  prohibition  to  women 
speaking  there.  However,  my  husband  had  some 
conversation  with  the  pastor  on  the  subject,  and 
found,  to  his  surprise,  that  not  only  did  no  objection 
exist  in  his  mind  against  it,  but  that  he  was  quite 
willing  to  prepare  the  minds  of  the  people,  in  case  I 
should  have  anything  to  say,  by  informing  them 
what  were  the  views  of  Friends  on  the  subject  of 
women's  ministry,  which  he  did  in  German,  and, 
moreover,  as  I  afterwards  understood,  assured  them 
that  I  would  address  them,  so  that  it  was  very  well  I 

had  something  given  me  to  say,  which  I  had  very 

10* 


114      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

little  expectation  would  be  the  case  when  I  went  to 
meeting. 

We  had  a  very  nice  meeting  in  the  evening,  and 
when  two  young  men  who  attempted  to  interpret 
for  my  husband  failed,  a  sweet  young  girl  from  India, 
whom  Hoffman  beckoned  to,  stepped  up  upon  the 
platform  and  translated  beautifully  from  English 
into  German,  without  the  least  forwardness,  but  also 
without  the  least  hesitation.  The  next  day  we  went 
to  see  the  celebrated  prison  at  Ludwigsburg,  in 
which  there  are  about  nine  hundred  prisoners,  all 
men.  The  regulations  appear  to  be  good,  but  they 
are  sadly  crowded  together,  the  prison  being  only 
intended  for  five  hundred.  We  visited  five  of  the 
wards,  and  the  poor  creatures  seemed  very  much 
touched  with  what  was  said  to  them.  Some  of  the 
soldiers  also  looked  greatly  interested,  and  although 
much  of  the  seed,  no  doubt,  fell  into  stony  and  thorny 
places,  some,  I  trust,  also  was  sown  in  good  ground. 
And  now,  at  the  close  of  this  truly  remarkable  journey, 
in  which  we  have  been  led  as  the  blind  by  away  that 
we  knew  not,  and  wherein  we  are  bound  to  confess 
that  darkness  has  again  and  again  been  made  light 
before  us  and  crooked  things  straight,  what  can  we 
do  but  unite  in  the  acknowledgment,  "  O  Lord, 
righteousness  belongeth  unto  Thee,  but  unto  us 
contusion  of  face  as  at  this  day."    May  each  one  of 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  115 

our  party  return  home  refreshed  and  deepened  in 
the  root  of  life. 

Brussels,  Eighth  mo.  25th,  1843. — We  are  now 
rapidly  wending  our  way  homeward.  For  my  own 
part,  I  feel  as  if  I  had  not  the  burthen  of  a  feather 
upon  me ;  and  though,  on  a  retrospect  of  this  deeply 
interesting  journey,  which  has  occupied  nearly  five 
months,  it  is  sensibly  impressed  upon  my  spirit  that 
so  various  have  been  my  besetments  and  so  mani- 
fold my  infirmities,  that  the  unmeasured  and  im- 
measurable mantle  of  a  Saviour's  love  alone  could 
cover  them,  yet  through  the  tender  mercy  of  that 
gracious  God,  whose  penetrating  eye  sees  through 
them  all,  even  to  the  depth  of  my  weak  heart's  sin- 
cerity, a  precious  feeling  of  sweet  peace  is  given  me, 
in  which  I  can  most  gratefully  adopt  the  language, 
"  Thou  hast  dealt  well  with  Thy  servant,  O  Lord, 
according  to  Thy  word." 

Calais,  Eighth  mo.  29th,  1843. — We  made  some 
agreeable  acquaintances  at  Brussels,  among  whom 
were  the  Baron  du  Bois,  Pastor  Panchaud,  and  an 
English  lady  named  Peterson,  who  appeared  to  be 
well  employed  in  philanthropic  objects ;  and  on  First 
day  evening  we  had  a  large  meeting  in  the  saloon 
of  the  hotel,  in  which  Joseph  was  for  some  time 
very  interestingly  engaged.  The  next  morning  we 
left  Brussels  with  unclouded  minds ;  and  here  we 


Il6       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


are,  waiting  for  the  packet  of  to-morrow.  It  gives 
us  a  nice  opportunity  for "  getting  a  little  into  the 
quiet  before  we  encounter  the  full  home  stream. 

The  following  letters,  although  in  some  respects  a 
recapitulation  of  the  journal  already  quoted,  are  pre- 
served as  giving  some  new  views  of  the  events  of  this 
interesting  tour. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

NiMES,  Sixth  mo.  3d,  1843. 

I  think  I  sent  my  last  letter  from  Lyons,  but  I 
believe  I  did  not  tell  thee  of  the  intense  suffering  I 
had  in  going  there.  It  seemed  to  me  almost  impos- 
sible to  endure  life  any  longer,  and  I  wept  as  we 
went  along  until  I  was  completely  ill.  However,  a 
quiet  evening  and  good  night  brought  me  round  a 
little,  and  in  the  morning  we  began  to  inquire  what 
was  to  be  done  in  that  great  place,  the  second  city 
in  France.  Presently  the  Pastor  Cordes  called,  and 
on  Joseph's  asking  permission  to  attend  his  chapel 
and  address  the  people,  if  he  found  it  required  of 
him,  it  was  cheerfully  granted  him.  The  ladies, 
however,  were  given  to  understand  that  it  was  con- 
trary to  the  law  of  the  Sanhedrim  for  women  to 
speak  in  the  churches.  I  saw  my  dear  husband's 
countenance  fall  directly,  but  my  naughty  heart  was 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  ny 

ready  to  jump  for  joy.  The  pastor,  however,  kindly 
offered  even  to  interpret  for  me  if  we  should  have  a 
meeting  in  our  own  hotel,  but  I  hoped  never  to 
trouble  him.  I  think  I  told  thee  that  the  attendance 
of  the  meeting  at  the  chapel,  and  of  one  on  the 
succeeding  evening,  was  very  satisfactory,  the  last 
particularly  so ;  and  on  Sixth  day  evening  we 
had  a  reunion  of  about  one  hundred  and  seventy 
persons  in  the  large  and  accommodating  rooms  of 
our  hotel.  My  soul  was  in  greater  heaviness  all  the 
evening  than  I  can  describe,  and  after  Joseph  had 
told  them  some  interesting  facts  connected  with 
emancipation,  my  spirit  was  enfranchised  from  its 
bonds,  in  comparison  with  which  I  would  hope  the 
fetters  of  the  poor  slave  are  light,  or  how  can  it  be 
possible  for  him  to  wear  them  year  by  year? 

I  was  mercifully  helped  to  deliver  a  very  close 
communication  to  a  mixed  company,  and  felt  true 
peace  afterward.  A  very  nice  young  gentleman, 
named  Perrin,  interpreted  for  me.  Our  Pastor 
Cordes  was  present  and  two  other  ministers,  and  the 
whole  company  seemed  full  of  love  and  cordiality. 
My  husband  closed  the  meeting  with  solemn  sup- 
plication, and  a  more  interesting  evening  we  never 
had.  We  always  distribute  books,  which  they  re- 
ceive most  gladly.  On  Seventh  day  morning  we 
took  breakfast  with  a  Christian  lady  by  the  name  of 


Il8       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


Evesque,  who  was  truly  kind  to  us.  She  has  a 
beautiful  place  a  few  miles  from  Lyons,  and  it  was 
quite  a  treat  to  enjoy  the  charming  prospect  and 
delightful  breezes.  She  afterward  took  us  to  the 
principal  prison,  where  we  were  met  by  a  gentleman 
of  rank,  a  nice  man,  but  a  stanch  Catholic.  He  sat 
right  before  me  the  evening  before,  which  did  not 
make  it  any  easier  to  speak  plainly  of  the  sinfulness 
of  idol  worship.  We  went  over  the  prison  arm-in- 
arm, and  at  last,  to  my  humiliation,  I  had  to  stop 
and  address  the  female  prisoners,  many  of  whom 
wept  much  and  really  seemed  to  feel  the  opportu- 
nity. But  I  believe  I  touched  upon  a  tender  chord 
in  quoting  our  Saviour's  memorable  words  as  He 
approached  Jerusalem :  "  If  thou  hadst  known  the 
things  that  belong  unto  thy  peace,  but  now  are  they 
hid  from  thine  eyes,  therefore  your  house  is  left 
unto  you  desolate,"  remarking  on  the  sad  desolation 
which  sin  and  transgression  had  introduced  into 
their  houses,  separating  the  wife  from  the  husband, 
the  mother  from  her  child,  etc.  ;  that  by  coming 
to  this  Saviour  in  living  faith,  and  proving  that 
faith  by  a  thorough  amendment  of  life,  they  might 
yet  know  their  peace  to  flow  as  a  river.  I  had  also 
to  speak  to  a  large  company  of  boys,  who  behaved 
well,  but  looked  hardened  enough  for  anything. 
Dear  Joseph  spoke  in  several  of  the  wards,  and,  con- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 

trary  to  what  we  learn  has  been  their  usual  custom, 
the  way  was  most  completely  opened  for  us.  There 
has  been  a  division  among  the  Protestants  in  Lyons, 
and  those  who  go  to  the  Temple  call  the  seceders 
Methodists ;  whereas  they  consider  the  Temple 
attenders  to  be  little  better  than  Unitarians.  My 
husband  wished  to  have  a  meeting  with  the  last  on 
First  day  evening,  but  it  was  contrary  to  their  rules 
to  admit  a  stranger.  However,  the  pastor  kindly 
offered  to  invite  his  congregation  to  attend  a  meet- 
ing at  the  hotel,  and  as  some  notice  was  also  given 
to  the  chapelites,  we  had  a  mixed  company  of  about 
three  hundred  persons, — Catholics,  Unitarians,  and 
Methodists.  After  a  time  of  no  small  suffering  we 
had  a  most  interesting  and  relieving  meeting.  A 
few  explanatory  words  from  Joseph,  and  then  I  had 
to  preach  the  longest  sermon,  if  such  I  may  venture 
to  call  it,  that  ever  I  did  in  my  life,  and  though  it 
was  certainly  the  plain,  unvarnished  truth,  it  was 
well  received,  many  thanking  me  afterwards  in  the 
kindest  manner. 

The  country  about  Avignon  is  beautiful ;  the  fig, 
the  olive,  and  the  vine  flourish  in  great  abundance, 
and  quite  delight  the  eye  at  every  turn.  But  I  must 
tell  thee  of  our  visit  to  the  old  palace  of  the  Pope. 
A  part  of  it  is  now  used  for  the  barracks  of  the 
military,  and  our  little  guide  conducted  us  into  a 


120      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


room  adjoining  their  apartments,  while  she  went  to 
look  for  an  older  escort.  I  soon  became  tired  of 
waiting,  and  altogether  rather  low,  not  having  much 
pleasure  in  sight-seeing  at  any  time;  but  it  all  at 
once  occurred  to  me  that  it  was  a  pity  not  to  turn 
our  idle  moments  to  some  account,  so  I  proposed  to 
Joseph  to  endeavor  to  have  a  little  serious  conversa- 
tion with  the  soldiers  who  were  lounging  about  in 
the  next  room.  It  seemed  rather  an  experiment,  but 
nothing  could  answer  better.  They  seemed  to  me 
to  think  that  war  was  the  one  great  object  of  their 
existence,  so  I  begged  Joseph  to  tell  them  that  all 
wars  must  come  to  an  end,  but  that  the  immortal 
soul  would  live  forever,  therefore  it  was  the  one 
great  business  of  life  to  have  it  cleansed  from  its 
pollutions  and  prepared  for  a  happy  eternity.  They 
looked  really  thoughtful,  and  listened  to  him  for 
some  time  with  great  attention.  I  felt  much  more 
cheerful  afterward,  and  concluded  we  might  be  in 
the  way  of  our  duty  even  when  apparently  in  the 
neglect  of  it.  In  the  afternoon  we  had  a  most 
striking  visit  to  a  capital  institution  for  disabled 
officers,  numbers  of  whom  we  found  sitting  under 
the  shade  of  the  fine  old  elms  ;  and  as  we  walked 
about  we  joined  the  different  groups,  and  literally 
had  meetings  by  stealth  with  very  many  of  them. 
Joseph  managed  to  interest  and  attract  their  atten- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


121 


tion  by  relating  an  anecdote  of  Napoleon,  for  whose 
memory  they  have  the  most  unbounded  veneration, 
which  was  told  him  by  a  gentleman  we  met  on  board 
the  steamer.  It  was  the  Abbe  Coquereau,  who  went 
to  St.  Helena  to  bring  home  the  Emperor's  remains. 
He  said  he  became  entirely  convinced  of  the  truth 
of  religion,  and  died  a  Christian.  Joseph  took  the 
opportunity  to  impress  on  the  officers  that  if  this 
account  were  true,  it  must  have  been  through  sin- 
cere repentance  and  change  of  heart,  as  our  Lord 
declared,  "  Ye  must  be  born  again  or  ye  can  never 
enter  the  kingdom  of  heaven."  One  of  the  old  sol- 
diers expressed  a  belief  (which  I  imagine  is  common 
among  them)  that  if  a  man  die  in  battle  he  is  sure 
to  die  happy,  and  we  reminded  him  of  our  Saviour's 
words,  "  If  you  die  in  your  sins,  whither  I  go  ye 
cannot  come  ;"  that  many  fall  in  the  midst  of  their 
sins,  consequently  there  is  no  ground  for  hope  that 
such  will  be  received  into  rest  and  blessedness.  It 
was  a  most  interesting  and  striking  time,  and  we  felt 
that  our  visit  there  was  rightly  ordered. 

We  got  to  Nimes  on  Fifth  day  evening,  just  in  time 
to  sit  down  with  the  little  band  of  Friends ;  and  truly 
sweet  it  was  to  be  with  them,  not  having  been  at  a 
regular  meeting  of  Friends  before  since  we  left  Eng- 
land.   There  is  nothing  like  it,  I  am  persuaded,  and 

I  believe  I  shall  always  stick  to  the  old  ship,  let  who 

II 


122       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


will  forsake  it.  After  making  a  very  satisfactory  visit 
here,  having  had  some  large  meetings  and  reunions, 
which  Christine,  who  is  our  kind  helper,  thinks  will 
not  soon  be  forgotten,  we  are  just  about  to  set  off 
for  Congenies,  but  shall  return  in  about  two  weeks 
on  our  way  to  Geneva.  We  are  much  pleased  with 
the  school,  and  the  dear  children  seem  delighted  to 
have  us.  Justine  Benezet,  the  teacher,  is  a  sweet- 
spirited  woman,  an  acknowledged  minister.  I  must 
tell  thee  a  little  anecdote  about  her  sister,  a  person 
of  sweet  countenance  and  the  greatest  simplicity  of 
character  I  ever  met  with.  She  was  telling  us  her 
grandfather  and  grandmother  were  both  ministers, 
and  Joseph  expressed  a  wish  that  their  mantle  might 
descend  upon  her,  on  which  she  beautifully  answered 
with  the  most  striking  naivete,  "  Void  la  serva?ite  du 
Seigneur''  ("  Be  it  unto  me  as  thou  wilt").  I  could  not 
help  thinking  how  thou  wouldst  have  enjoyed  her 
simplicity.  Poor  thing  !  her  husband  was  murdered 
a  few  years  ago.  She  has  lost  one  fine  child,  and 
the  only  one  left  is  an  idiot. 

On  Second  day  morning,  with  feelings  of  un- 
clouded peace,  we  took  leave  of  the  dear  kind  friends 
of  Congenies,  who  assembled  in  a  body  at  the  door 
of  our  dwelling-house  and  parted  from  us  with  tear- 
ful eyes,  and  pursued  our  way  to  Nimes,  where  we 
found  J.  C.  Backhouse  awaiting  our  arrival.  On 


ELIZA  P.  GURXEY.  1 23 

Third  day  morning  we  had  a  sitting  with  the  chil- 
dren of  the  school,  and  then  set  out  on  our  journey ; 
dear  Joseph  very  weak,  but  evidently  improving 
every  day.  Our  visit  to  Grenoble  was  as  deeply 
exercising  and  as  truly  satisfactory  in  its  results  as 
any  we  have  yet  made ;  but  I  will  not  enter  into 
particulars,  for  I  am  tired  of  writing  about  ourselves, 
and  I  fear  thou  wilt  be  weary  of  hearing  of  our  per- 
formances. The  few  serious  people  of  Grenoble 
expressed  their  earnest  hope  that  the  opportunity 
might  be  blessed  to  the  little  church  there,  which 
they  represent  as  being  in  a  very  dead  state.  The 
pastor  said  he  did  not  think  so  large  a  company  had 
ever  been  collected  for  worship  before  since  he  had 
resided  there.  There  were  several  soldiers  among 
them.  The  next  morning  we  had  a  very  sweet  time 
at  the  girls'  school,  which  is  under  the  care  of  the 
pastor's  wife.  Some  of  them  are  under  serious  im- 
pressions at  this  time,  and  Martha  Yeardley's  visit  is 
held  in  lively  remembrance,  though  I  believe  they 
had  no  meeting  at  Grenoble,  except  the  one  at  the 
school. 

Zurich,  Eighth  mo.  5th. — When  J.  Forster  joined 
us  at  Geneva,  as  my  husband  had  not  regained 
his  strength,  we  concluded  to  spend  a  few  days  at 
Chamouni  for  rest  and  refreshment,  and  such  a  rare 
treat  of  fine  scenery  we  certainly  never  had  before  ; 


124      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

but  it  SO  wholly  mocks  description  that  it  is  almost 
idle  to  attempt  it.  The  whole  drive  is  one  of  uncom- 
mon loveliness.  After  we  left  Geneva,  we  had  large 
meetings  at  Lausanne,  Vevay,  Neufchatel,  Berne,  etc., 
and  again  we  feasted  our  eyes  on  the  most  mag- 
nificent scenery.  At  Grindelwald  there  were  also 
beautiful  glaciers  in  sight  from  our  inn  ;  and  near 
Brienz  we  saw  the  lovely  Giesbach,  one  of  the 
finest  waterfalls  in  Switzerland.  We  had  several 
very  interesting  meetings  at  Interlachen,  Thun,  and 
Lauterbrunnen.  The  one  at  Thun  especially  was 
very  interesting,  being  attended  by  a  little  company 
of  Primitive  Christians,  who  reside  in  the  neighbor- 
hood, whose  souls  seem  truly  thirsting  for  the  living 
spring,  and  I  believe  we  were  refreshed  together. 
We  had  a  very  interesting  meeting  here  last  evening. 

Zurich,  Eighth  mo.  7th. — The  good  old  Pastor 
Gessner,  whom  we  had  hoped  to  see,  deceased  a  few 
days  before  we  arrived,  and  his  funeral  sermon  was 
preached  in  the  different  chapels  yesterday,  so  that 
it  was  rather  an  unusually  serious  time,  and  I  have 
no  doubt  tended  to  the  solemnity  of  the  evening 
meeting,  which  was  very  relieving  to  Joseph's  mind. 
We  have  just  been  refreshed  by  interesting  visits, 
one  to  the  widow  of  Gessner,  the  other  to  the  single 
daughter  of  Lavater,  who  resides  in  the  house  in 
which  he  was  born.    I  believe  they  are  truly  of  the 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  125 

household  of  faith,  and  it  was  cheering  to  be  received 
by  them  as  brethren  and  sisters  of  the  Lord.  The 
dear  old  lady  seems  only  to  realize  that  the  partner 
of  her  joys  and  sorrows  has,  in  the  tender  mercy  of 
his  God  and  Saviour,  been  taken  home  a  little  while 
before  her;  and  the  instructive  language  of  her 
grateful  spirit  seemed  to  be,  "  The  Lord  gave,  and 
the  Lord  hath  taken  away,  and  blessed  be  His  name." 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Brussels,  Eighth  mo.  26th,  1843. 
The  last  month,  since  I  wrote  thee  before,  has  per- 
haps been  as  striking  as  any  part  of  our  journey,  and 
certainly  when  we  left  home  we  had  no  expectation 
of  finding  such  an  open  door  in  France  and  Switzer- 
land, and  I  may  now  add  Germany ;  for,  passing 
over  our  very  interesting  month  at  Geneva  and  the 
neighborhood,  visit  to  Yverdun  and  Neufchatel,  Berne, 
Schaffhausen,  Strasburg,  Zurich,  Bas£l,  etc.,  I  must 
give  thee  a  little  account  of  our  remarkable  experi- 
ence at  Stuttgart,  which  ought  to  confirm  my  faith 
all  the  days  of  my  life.  I  think  I  told  thee  of  our 
meeting 'the  Princess  Marie  of  Wiirtemberg  when 
we  were  at  Geneva,  when  she  cordially  invited  us 
to  Stuttgart,  but  my  husband  told  her  we  had  no 
expectation  of  coming  that  way.  When  she  left  she 
wrote  me  a  sweet  little  note,  commending  her  father, 


126      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


the  King  of  Wurtemberg,  to  our  prayers,  speaking  of 
him  as  the  "  noblest  being  in  the  world,  and  the  one 
dearest  to  her."  However,  time  passed  on,  and  we 
were  steadily  pursuing  our  homeward  journey  (not 
the  direct  route  certainly,  but  the  one  we  proposed 
before  leaving  home),  when  my  husband  seemed 
rather  arrested  by  the  thought  of  Stuttgart,  and  he 
and  Josiah  made  several  inquiries  as  to  distance,  the 
probability  of  the  King's  being  at  home,  etc., — all 
which  resulted  in  determining  them  on  the  negative 
side  of  the  question.  We  had  all  turned  from  it  as 
a  sort  of  impossibility,  when  one  evening  some  time 
after,  as  we  were  sitting  in  silence  in  a  meeting  at 
Neufchatel,  it  was  clearly  impressed  on  my  mind 
that  we  should  go  to  Stuttgart,  and  that  we  should 
see  the  King.  The  next  day  I  told  Joseph,  and  as 
we  progressed  on  our  journey  we  made  fresh  inqui- 
ries, but  nothing  could  be  more  discouraging.  We 
were  told  that  both  the  Princess  Marie  and  her 
father  were  then  in  Italy,  and  not  expected  home 
for  weeks  to  come ;  that  it  would  take  us  seven  days 
longer  at  least  to  go  by  Stuttgart ;  still  my  faith  did 
not  fail,  and  our  party  seemed  willing  to  go  there. 
When  we  arrived  we  found  the  reports  were  true  : 
the  King  was  in  Italy,  and,  though  he  was  expected 
in  a  day  or  two,  it  was  very  uncertain  when  he 
would  come.    So  we  went  on  with  our  work,  visit- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  127 

ing  Kornthal,  a  most  interesting  colony  of  Primitive 
Christians,  about  six  miles  off,  on  Sixth  day  after- 
noon ;  spent  Seventh  day  at  Ludwigsburg,  the  famous 
prison,  where  we  had  really  solemn  service  with  the 
prisoners  in  several  wards,  fifty  or  sixty  in  each. 
The  prisoners  and  the  soldiers  at  the  door  seemed 
much  affected.  Josiah  Forster  was  our  kind  inter- 
preter, as  they  all  speak  German.  On  First  day 
morning,  "as  we  sat  in  our  little  meeting  under  some 
discouragement,  the  chief  object  of  our  visit  appear- 
ing less  and  less  likely  to  be  accomplished,  the 
words  of  our  Saviour  very  unexpectedly  revived  in 
my  mind :  "  Your  times  are  always  ready,  but  my 
time  is  not  always,"  accompanied  with  a  strong 
belief  that  we  ought  to  wait  His  time.  I  felt  relieved 
by  repeating  them,  and  expressing  my  desire  that 
we  might  resign  ourselves  wholly  into  the  hands  of 
Him  whose  ways  are  above  our  ways.  In  the  even- 
ing we  had  a  large  and  satisfactory  meeting  in  four 
rooms  communicating  with  each  other  at  the  house 
of  a  Christian  friend,  and  afterward  my  dear  hus- 
band told  me  he  felt  quite  relieved,  and,  as  there 
seemed  now  no  more  probability  of  the  King's  return 
than  when  we  arrived,  he  thought  we  could  not 
delay  any  longer.  I  cannot  describe  to  thee  the 
anguish  of  spirit  this  brought  over  me;  indeed, 
through  our  whole  visit,  and  especially  on  every 


128      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

fresh  discouragement,  my  heart  was  like  lead,  for  I 
was  fastened  to  the  place  in  the  most  singular  man- 
ner, and  dare  not  break  my  bonds  ;  so  I  begged  we 
might  stay  till  noon,  and  see  if  anything  opened ;  if 
not,  and  they  wished  it,  we  would  go.  In  the  morn- 
ing we  were  told  that  not  only  was  the  King  not 
arrived,  but  it  was  now  wholly  uncertain  when  he 
would  come.  I  really  began  to  conclude  that  my 
faith  would  be  wholly  destroyed,  that  I  should  have 
to  leave  Stuttgart  without  any  answer  to  the  deep 
impression  which  had  been  so  singularly  made  on 
my  mind,  and  which  nothing  had  been  able  to  shake. 
If  this  proved  a  delusion,  how  could  I  believe  that 
any  of  my  former  experience  was  true  ?  I  threw 
myself  on  the  bed  and  wept  in  an  agony  of  soul 
which  was  known  only  to  the  All-seeing  Eye.  About 
this  time  a  person  came  to  request  we  would  have  a 
meeting  in  the  evening  at  the  house  of  a  lady,  to 
which  many  people  wished  to  come  who  were  not  at 
the  previous  meeting,  Joseph's  mind  seemed  drawn 
to  it  at  once,  contrary  to  his  usual  custom,  and  I  felt 
sure  it  was  right. '  The  meeting  was  appointed,  and 
consequently  we  remained  through  the  day. 

About  three  o'clock,  when  we  should  otherwise 
have  been  on  our  journey,  as  I  believe  in  deep  sad- 
ness of  heart,  a  messenger  arrived  to  say  the  King 
was  come.    Confirming  as  this  was  to  my  faith,  and 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  1 29 

in  that  way  an  inexpressible  relief,  I  felt  it  such  a 
solemn  undertaking  that  I  was  almost  ready  to 
regret  we  were  not  off.  The  meeting  in  the  evening 
was  allowed  on  all  hands  to  be  one  of  the  very  best 
we  have  had  on  the  Continent,  and  nothing  could 
exceed  the  flow  of  lo\-e  from  hundreds  afterward. 
In  the  morning  fresh  discouragements  arose :  on 
applying  to  the  aides-de-camp  of  the  King,  they  said 
that  an  immense  quantity  of  business  was  waiting 
his  attention,  that  the  Queen  was  at  her  palace  in  the 
countr}',  and  the  King  did  not  receive  ladies  alone. 
They  promised,  however,  to  make  known  our  wishes, 
and  my  husband  said  we  should  be  very  glad  to  be 
able  to  go  on  the  journey  the  next  day,  but,  of 
course,  we  should  wait  the  King's  time.  About  two 
o'clock  a  messenger  came  from  the  palace  to  say 
their  "  majesties"  would  receive  us  at  six  o'clock  in 
the  evening  at  the  Queen's  palace  in  the  country. 
Thither  we  all  repaired,  and  after  waiting  a  few 
minutes  in  the  ante-room,  we  were  ushered  into  the 
balcony,  where  the  King  and  Queen  were  surrounded 
by  their  children,  and  perhaps  thirty  or  forty  ladies 
and  gentlemen.  It  looked  formidable  indeed,  but 
they  received  us  very  kindly,  and  we  stood  convers- 
ing together  for  some  time.  Dear  Joseph  spoke  to 
them  about  the  prisons,  slavery,  etc.,  and  then  whis- 
pered to  me  that  I  must  now  relieve  my  mind;  but 


130      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

in  such  a  party,  standing  in  the  open  balcony,  I  felt 
it  was  impossible,  and  in  a  strength  that  truly  was 
given  me,  I  asked  the  King  and  Queen  if  they  would 
kindly  allow  us  to  sit  down  together  in  silence;  to 
which  they  assented  at  once,  saying,  **  Certainly, 
certainly,"  and,  followed  by  the  crown  prince  and  the 
two  princesses,  walked  into  the  drawing-room,  the 
Queen  herself  placing  our  chairs  just  opposite  to  them. 

My  husband  addressed  them,  after  a  little  pause, 
very  sweetly,  and  then  I  was  constrained  to  bow  the 
knee  in  supplication,  and  a  very  solemn  time  it  was 
to  my  own  feelings  and,  I  trust,  to  theirs.  The  King 
and  Queen  shook  us  by  the  hand  and  thanked  us 
warmly,  the  former  saying  he  had  been  penetrated" 
by  what  was  said.  Most  glad  was  I  to  turn  my  back 
upon  the  palace  and  all  that  it  contained,  and  truly 
thankful,  I  trust,  to  that  wonderworking  Being,  who 
had  thus  marvellously  opened  a  way  for  us  where  we 
could  see  no  way.  We  were  rather  surprised  when 
we  came  out  of  the  drawing-room  to  find  that  the 
whole  party  of  ladies  and  gentlemen,  or  lords  and 
ladies,  had  left  the  balcony  and  come  into  the  ad- 
joining room,  so  that  we  had  in  fact  been  holding  a 
meeting  with  them  all.  But  now,  my  dear  friend, 
thy  poor  unworthy  child  is  returning  home,  covered 
from  head  to  foot  with  a  humbling  sense  of  her  mani- 
fold infirmities,  yet  with  some  ability  to  rejoice  in 


I  - 

ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  131 

the  conviction  that  whatever  may  be  the  depth  of 
her  weakness,  the  fountain  of  the  mercy  and  forgive- 
ness of  our  God  and  Saviour  is  deeper  still.  We 
hope  to  be  at  Upton  on  Fifth  day. 

This  busy  summer,  with  its  weighty  engagements, 
was  succeeded  by  a  winter  of  the  peaceful,  happy, 
but  not  inactive  life  at  Earlham.  The  following 
letters  refer  to  this  period : 

E.  P.  G.  to  Anna  Gurney,  shortly  after  her  mar- 
riage to  John  Church  Backhouse,  of  Darling- 
ton. 

Earlham,  Eleventh  mo.  I5ih,  1843. 
.  We  miss  thee  exceedingly,  my  sweet  child; 
indeed,  I  never  knew  how  dear  thou  wert  to  me 
before,  though  of  one  thing  I  was  always  assured, 
that  no  daughter  ever  behaved  with  more  perfect 
propriety  and  sweetness  than  thou  hast  done  to  me 
since  I  came  into  this  family.  And  I  need  not  say 
how  deeply  sensible  I  have  always  been  of  thy  con- 
stant faithfulness  to  one  who  has  indeed  been  the 
most  indulgent  as  well  as  most  watchful  of  parents 
to  thee.  His  own  frequent  testimony  to  thy  un- 
varying attention  is  of  itself  a  sweet  reward  for  thy 
devotedness.  And  now  that  thou  art  entering  on  a 
new  career,  and  wilt  have  new  duties  to  perform  and 
new  difficulties  to  contend  with,  what  can  I  desire 


132      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

for  thee  but  that  the  same  preserving  and  preventing 
grace  which  shines  so  conspicuously  in  thy  beloved 
father's  course  may  be  eminently  and  continually 
spread  like  a  shield  around  his  precious  child  ;  that 
in  that  beautiful  spirit  of  meekness  and  humility 
which  adorn  him  beyond  any  other  Christian  I  ever 
knew,  thou  mayst  be  enabled  to  fill  thy  new  and  in- 
teresting position  with  true  dignity,  and  even  so  let 
thy  light  shine  before  men,  that  others,  seeing  thy 
good  works,  may  glorify  thy  Father  which  is  in 
heaven. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Cromer,  Twelfth  mo.  i8th,  1843. 
I  know  thou  wilt  be  sorry  to  hear  that  I  have  had 
a  very  poor  account  of  my  dear  niece,  Margaret 
Williams.  She  is  a  precious  plant  of  the  Lord's 
own  right-hand  planting,  and  I  know  I  ought  not  to 
complain  if  He  is  now  about  to  transplant  her  into  a 
more  genial  clime ;  but  she  has  closely  twined  her- 
self around  my  heart  by  the  sweetness  and  gentle- 
ness of  her  disposition  and  the  warmth  of  her  affec- 
tions, and  there  are  few  whose  loss  I  should  so 
truly  mourn.  In  a  letter  from  Dr.  Shoemaker's 
daughter,  M.  K.  White,  she  says,  "  I  fear  my  dear 
Aunt  Mary  will  lose  her  darling  Madge  before  very 
long,  though  she  does  not  seem  to  think  so  herself, 
but  builds  with  confident  hope  upon  every  change 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  133 

for  the  better,  however  slight.  INI.  keeps  her 
thoughts  to  herself,  but  I  can  see  she  is  not  blind 
to  her  situation,  but  is  being  fitted  and  prepared 
for  that  home  to  which  she  is  slowly  but  certainly 
o-oino;.  She  is  rather  better  now  than  she  was  a 
week  ago,  but  not  so  well  as  while  she  was  at 
Woodburn  in  the  summer."  At  the  conclusion  of 
her  letter  M.  K.  W.  says,  Do  not  think,  my  dear 
aunt,  from  what  I  have  said  of  dear  Cousin  Madge, 
that  she  is  much  worse  than  she  was  some  months 
ago ;  but  commencing  the  winter  in  this  way  is  very 
discouraging.  She  goes  out  in  fine  weather,  is 
cheerful,  and  very  lovely."  I  had  so  hoped  this 
darling  child  might  have  come  to  me  next  summer, 
as  it  is  now  three  years  since  I  have  seen  any  of  my 
natural  relations,  and  my  heart  rather  yearns  after 
them  ;  but  I  am  brought  to  feel  that  all  earthly 
things  must  hang  very  loosely  about  me,  and  that  I 
must  possess  as  though  I  possessed  them  not. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Earlham,  Second  mo.  3d,  1S44. 

My  very  dear  Mamma, — We  were  rejoiced  to 
hear  of  thy  being  so  relieved  and  comforted  by  the 
Monthly  Meeting,  though  it  was  just  what  I  antici- 
pated.    And  now  I  hope  and  believe  a  peaceful 

little  pause  with  thy  precious  children  will  be  gra- 

12 


134      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

ciously  given  thee,  in  which  all  the  little  threads 
that  are  worn  thin  in  the  well-used  (I  would  not  say 
well-abused)  net  may  be  carefully  mended. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Seventh  mo.  4th,  1844. 

We  are  now  permitted  to  settle  down  quietly  in 
our  beautiful  home  with  the  feeling  of  calmness  and 
peace,  having  in  some  degree  passed  through  the 
baptism  of  the  cloud,  which  no  doubt  for  some  wise 
purpose  was  dispensed  to  us.  I  have,  however,  in 
the  last  few  days  been  brought  into  close  sympathy 
with  my  far-distant  relations  by  the  tidings  which 
have  reached  me  both  of  the  removal  of  my  precious 
niece,  and  of  the  rapidly-increasing  illness  of  my 
valued  uncle  Paul,  who,  I  should  think,  would  very 
soon  be  numbered  with  those  blessed  ones  "  who  die 
in  the  Lord."  Dear  Margaret's  close  was  calm  and 
peaceful,  though  she  was  not  entirely  restored  to 
reason,  as  they  fondly  hoped.  Her  doubly-widowed 
mother  will  return  to  Woodburn  with  my  sister 
Clarke,  as  she  is  much  in  need  of  rest  and  quiet, 
and  will  find  both  there.  I  very  much  approve  of 
this  arrangement,  believing  it  will  be  a  comfort  to 
them  both.  Oh,  that  I  could  be  with  them  for  a 
little  while !  but  it  is  ordered  otherwise,  and  I  am 
sure  that  it  is  ordered  well. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  135 

Believing  that  further  Gospel  labor  was  required 
of  him  on  the  Continent,  J.  J.  Gurney,  with  his 
wife,  again  set  forth  in  the  Fourth  mo,,  1844,  on 
a  second  tour  in  France.  She  thus  writes  to  her 
American  relatives  : 

E.  P.  G.  to  her  aunt  H.  Paul. 

Bordeaux,  Fourth  mo.  20th,  1844. 
Thou  wast  probably  aware  that  my  husband  did 
not  accomplish  the  whole  of  his  prospect  of  religious 
service  last  summer,  and  therefore  retained  his  cer- 
tificates ;  but  our  dear  sister  Fry's  state  was  so  very 
uncertain,  and  her  sufferings  at  times  so  great,  it 
seemed  impossible  to  think  of  setting  out  the  middle 
of  Third  mo.,  which  we  had  looked  to.  However, 
just  at  that  time  a  decided  improvement  took  place, 
and  as  it  was  strongly  her  own  wish  that  he  should 
pursue  his  prospect,  after  spending  a  few  days  in 
her  neighborhood,  accompanied  by  Josiah  Forster, 
we  set  out.  Rough  enough  was  our  passage  over 
the  Channel,  and  glad  enough  we  were  to  find  our- 
selves safe  on  terra  firma  again.  Had  meetings  at 
Rouen,  Boulogne,  etc.,  and  spent  ten  very  interesting 
days  at  Paris.  The  Baroness  de  Stael,  the  Countess 
Pelet,  and  the  Baroness  Mallet  and  her  daughters 
were  among  our  kindest  friends.  Nothing  could 
exceed  the  affectionate  attentions  of  the  two  former, 


136      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

loading  us  with  kindnesses  of  various  sorts.  They 
are  both  sweet  Christian-spirited  women,  sincerely 
interested  in  the  spread  of  truth  and  righteousness 
upon  the  earth,  and  we  had  many  pleasant  hours  in 
their  company.  My  husband  had  three  or  four 
meetings  for  worship  in  Paris,  and,  in  unison  with 
Josiah  Forster,  George  Alexander,  and  John  Scoble, 
held  a  large  anti-slavery  meeting,  which  I  hope 
made  some  impression,  as  the  French  people  gen- 
erally are  very  much  asleep  on  the  subject  of  eman- 
cipation, and  sadly  want  rousing.  It  was  a  very 
satisfactory  occasion,  and  I  think  would  be  produc- 
tive of  good.  But  the  most  interesting  circumstance 
of  our  Paris  sojourn  was  a  precious  interview  which 
we  had  with  the  Duchess  of  Orleans,  whose  son, 
thou  knowest,  is  heir  to  the  throne.  She  is  a  truly 
pious  Protestant,  though  surrounded  by  Catholics, 
and  one  of  the  most  delicate  and  lovely-looking 
young  creatures  I  ever  saw.  It  is  often  difficult  to 
obtain  access  to  her,  and  we  applied  for  an  interview 
without  much  hope  of  success,  but  the  answer  was, 
"  She  would  see  us  with  pleasure,"  appointing  the 
day.  When  the  time  arrived  we  drove  to  the  palace 
of  the  Tuileries,  and  were  taken  from  one  apartment 
to  the  other,  resting  a  little  while  in  each,  till  at  last 
we  were  shown  into  the  most  magnificent  drawing- 
room  I  ever  saw,  and  in  a  little  while  a  graceful, 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  1 3^ 

slender  figure  clothed  in  mourning  entered  the  room, 
and  walking  up  to  us,  took  my  hand  in  both  of  hers, 
and  in  the  warmest  manner  exclaimed,  "  My  dear 
madame,  I  am  so  very  glad  to  see  you!"  She  then 
welcomed  my  husband  and  Josiah  in  the  kindest  man- 
ner, and  seating  me  beside  her  on  the  sofa,  requested 
them  to  "  help  themselves  to  chairs."  After  a  little 
friendly  conversation  we  asked  for  silence,  which  was 
readily  granted,  and  a  memorable  opportunity  we 
had.  She  thanked  us  heartily  with  tears  in  her  eyes, 
kissed  me  most  affectionately,  and  we  parted  from 
this  interesting  creature  in  true  love,  and  with  a  feel- 
ing of  interest  excited  in  our  hearts  which  will  not, 
I  believe,  be  soon  destroyed.  May  she  and  her  two 
lovely  boys  experience  preservation  in  the  exposed 
and  elevated  position  which  they  occupy  !  and  this, 
I  believ^e,  is  the  fervent  desire  of  her  heart.  But,  of 
course,  they  will  be  educated  as  Catholics,  which  is,  I 
do  not  doubt,  a  real  sorrow  to  her.  We  were  invited 
to  dine  with  Guizot,  the  minister  of  foreign  affairs, 
who  was  very  kind  to  us  last  year,  but  his  daughter 
being  taken  suddenly  ill  prevented  it.  I  see  by  the 
papers  she  is  better.  He  is  considered  one  of  the 
most  talented  men  in  France,  and  perhaps  there  are 
few  individuals  more  extolled  by  their  friends  or 
defamed  by  their  enemies ;  but  this,  I  believe,  is  the 

lot  of  most  who  are  placed  by  circumstances  in  con- 

12* 


138      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

spicuous  and  exalted  situations.  The  evening  we  left 
Paris  we  had  a  leave-taking  party  of  about  seventy 
of  our  friends,  and  a  very  satisfactory  opportunity 
it  proved,  ending  in  a  thorough  Quaker  meeting. 
Dear  J.  J.  G.'s  facility  in  French  is  quite  surprising. 
A  gentleman  observed  the  other  evening,  after  he 
had  been  speaking  for  more  than  an  hour,  that  there 
was  but  one  word  in  all  he  had  said  which  betrayed 
that  he  was  not  a  Frenchman.  It  is  beginning  to  be 
much  more  understandable  to  me,  but  I  never  ven- 
ture to  speak  it,  and  indeed  there  is  not  much  neces- 
sity, as  almost  all  the  educated  people  here  speak 
English,  or  at  least  a  great  many  of  them.  Since 
we  left  Paris,  we  have  had  meetings  at  Orleans, 
Blois,  Tours,  Saumer,  Nantes,  and  Rochelle.  Ex- 
pect to  have  one  here  to-morrow,  and  then  proceed 
to  Sainte-Foy,  Toulouse,  and  Montauban,  hoping  to 
return  in  time  for  our  Yearly  Meeting  on  the  20th  of 
Fifth  mo.  Our  congregations  vary  exceedingly ;  we 
have  sometimes  the  great  of  this  world,  and  sometimes 
the  lowly.  The  little  flock  at  Saumer  was  extremely 
primitive,  reminding  us  of  the  simple-hearted  Friends 
at  Congenies.  They  met  in  our  hotel,  and  after  Jo- 
siah  Forster  had  explained  the  object  of  our  mission 
there  was  a  profound  silence,  which  was  presently 
broken  by  a  neat-looking  woman  in  a  peasant's 
costume  exclaiming  with  some  earnestness,  though 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  13^ 

rather  timidly,  I  suppose  monsieur  the  pastor 
will  commence  presently."  It  was  rather  a  droll 
beginning,  but  we  had  a  truly  sweet  and  refreshing 
meeting  notwithstanding,  I  do  not  remember  that 
we  have  had  one  more  so.  They  were  the  poor  of 
this  world  who  composed  it,  but  I  believe  many  of 
them  were  rich  in  faith  and  heirs  of  the  heavenly 
kingdom. 

2 1  St,  First  day  evening. 

Dear  Joseph  has  been  very  low  since  coming  here, 
and  rather  poorly;  his  mind  under  much  exercise 
for  the  people  of  Bordeaux,  yet  no  way  seemed  to 
open  to  obtain  relief  The  pastors,  being  rather 
divided  among  themselves,  are  not  willing  to  lend 
their  chapels  to  strangers.  However,  one  of  them 
at  last  advised  Joseph's  hiring  a  large  room  called 
the  Casino;  and  after  all  his  discouragements,  he  has 
had  the  largest  meeting  this  afternoon — and  I  believe 
I  might  say  the  most  truly  satisfactory  one — that  he 
has  had  in  France  this  year.  To-morrow  evening  he 
is  to  have  a  large  anti-slavery  meeting  in  the  same 
place,  and  then  I  trust  we  shall  leave  this  town,  in 
which  he  has  passed  through  deep  baptisms,  in 
health  and  peace.  But  truly,  with  all  the  kindnesses 
we  receive, — and  they  are  many  as  we  go  along,  from 
high  and  low,  learned  and  unlearned, — this  sort  of 
journeying  is  humbling  work;  and  in  coming  as 


1^0      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

strangers  into  a  large  town,  looking  so  differently 
clad  from  all  about  us,  I  have  more  than  once 
thought  of  the  words  of  the  men  who  went  to 
search  the  land  of  Canaan :  "  We  were  in  our  own 
sight  as  grasshoppers,  and  so  we  were  in  their  sight." 
I  often  long  to  be  quietly  settled  in  our  dear-loved 
home  again ;  indeed,  I  only  came  out  this  time  as 
care-taker  to  my  husband,  not  feeling  any  particular 
concern  of  my  own,  which  I  could  not  say  last  year. 
But  wherever  we  are,  may  the  language  of  our  lives 
and  conversation  be  like  that  of  Moses  formerly 
(Numbers  i.) :  "  We  are  journeying  into  the  place  of 
which  the  Lord  said,  I  will  give  it  to  you ;  come 
thou  with  us." 

E.  P.  G.  to  J.  K.  Clarke. 

MoNTAUBAN,  Fifth  mo,  4th,  1844. 

We  spent  a  few  days  at  Toulouse  last  week,  and 
were  much  pleased  with  the  Courtois,  three  brothers 
who  live  under  the  same  roof,  and  with  their  wives 
appear  to  be  of  one  heart  and  one  mind, — decidedly 
religious  people,  and  very  desirous  to  promote  the 
good  cause  by  every  means  in  their  power.  Dear 
Stephen  Grellet  will  know  them,  and  it  will  be  in- 
teresting to  him  to  find  that  we  are  now  in  the  midst 
of  his  relations,  having  seen  his  venerable  sister  this 
morning,  and  now  his  brother  Joseph  and  wife,  who 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  141 

reside  here.     We  had  seen  Charles  previously  in 

Paris.    There  is  a  strong  resemblance  between  the 

three  brothers,  especially  in  voice  and  manner,  and 

• 

truly  pleasant  it  is  to  be  reminded  of  our  very  dear 
friend  in  such  a  way.  We  were  much  pleased  with 
his  ladylike  sister,  who,  though  a  Catholic,  we 
thought  was  no  stranger  to  true  religion,  and  we 
had  to  revive  the  Scripture  declaration  that  "  God  is 
no  respecter  of  persons,  but  in  every  nation  he  that 
feareth  Him  and  worketh  righteousness  is  accepted 
of  Him,"  and  to  encourage  her  to  press  forward  to- 
ward the  mark  through  every  trial  and  through 
every  difficulty.  She  seemed  very  grateful  for  our 
visit,  and  only  regretted  that  we  could  not  spend 
the  day  with  her ;  but  as  we  are  anxious  to  reach 
London  in  time  for  the  Yearly  Meeting,  we  could 
not  delay. 

E.  P.  G.  to  Thomas  Wistar. 

Sixth  mo.  29th,  1844. 

.  .  .  After  two  months  spent  on  the  Continent  en- 
tirely separated  from  Friends,  it  was  very  pleasant 
to  find  ourselves  among  our  own  people  again,  and 
we  could  freely  acknowledge  that  although  we  had 
felt  sweet  unity  with  many  spiritually-minded  people 
under  different  names,  there  is  nothing  so  completely 
to  our  taste,  so  restful  to  our  spirits,  so  congenial  to 


142       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

our  hearts,  as  a  true,  simple-minded  Quaker  after 
all. 

E.  P.  G.  to  J.  K.  Clarke. 

Sixth  mo.  29th,  1844. 

.  .  .  Our  visit  to  the  Channel  Islands  was  very 
satisfactory,  and  having  spent  three  weeks  between 
Guernsey  and  Jersey,  holding  fourteen  public  meet- 
ings, and  visiting  the  members  of  our  own  society, 
who  are  not  numerous,  we  returned  to  Upton  on 
Second  day  last,  and  reached  Norwich  just  in  time 
for  our  own  Quarterly  Meeting.  We  had  about  an 
hour  to  revel  in  the  flowery  loveliness  of  our  own 
sweet  home  before  the  Select  Meeting  began,  and 
never  did  two  little  children  enjoy  anything  more. 
After  a  long  drought  of  nearly  three  months  (an 
unheard-of  thing  for  England),  there  had  been  a 
delightful  rain  the  day  before,  and  just  as  we  reached 
the  park  gate  the  sun  shone  out  most  brilliantly, 
gilding  the  trees,  the  river,  and  the  lawn,  and  mak- 
ing the  whole  a  perfect  fairy-scene.  For  the  first 
time  I  felt  it  would  be  a  true  cross  for  me  to  leave 
Earlham,  this  most  indulgent  and  happy  home.  It 
has  always  appeared  to  me  such  a  responsible  thing 
to  be  placed  at  the  head  of  such  a  large  establish- 
ment, that  I  have  been  almost  inclined  to  wish  we 
might  be  obliged  to  leave  it;  but  now  I  felt  it  would 
be  a  real  trial  to  tear  myself  from  a  spot  in  itself  so 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  1 43 

full  of  charm,  and  now  endeared  to  my  heart  by 
numberless  associations.  Still,  if  it  is  too  luxurious 
and  too  indulgent,  I  trust  we  may  be  enabled  to  see 
it;  for  I  believe  it  is  the  sincere  and  unfeigned  desire 
of  both  our  hearts  to  be  found  in  the  bounds  of 
Divine  appointment,  wherever  these  may  be,  and 
whatever  sacrifice  it  may  involve  as  to  personal  com- 
fort. 

E.  P.  G.  to  M.  A.  Williams. 

Earlham,  Ninth  mo.  13th,  1844. 
.  .  .  Oh,  when  we  come  to  stand  before  the  right- 
eous tribunal  of  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth,  not  only 
shall  we  have  to  give  an  account  of  the  deeds  done 
in  the  body,  but  we  shall  be  solemnly  responsible 
for  time  mis-spent,  for  wasted  talents,  for  neglected 
opportunities,  for  the  non-fulfilment  of  all  the  vari- 
ous relationships  that  have  contributed  to  form  our 
stewardship  and  swell  the  list  of  duties  to  be  done. 
Sins  of  omission  will  rise  up  in  terrible  array  against 
us  unless  we  look  well  to  it,  and  we  shall  have  most 
mournfully  to  realize  the  poet's  words, — 

"  How  shocking  must  thy  summons  be,  O  Death, 
To  him  who  is  at  ease  in  his  possessions ; 
Who,  counting  on  long  years  of  pleasure  here, 
Is  all  unfurnished  for  the  world  to  come !" 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OE 

J.  J.  and  E.  P.  Gurney  visited  the  north  of  Eng- 
land, the  lake  country,  etc.,  in  the  latter  part  of 
1844,  with  a  minute  from  their  Monthly  Meeting 
for  religious  service  among  Friends  and  others. 
Nothing  of  special  importance  seems  to  have  oc- 
curred during  the  following  two  years  to  interrupt 
the  quiet  and  peaceful  current  of  E.  P.  G.'s  life. 

E.  P.  G.  to  M.  A.  Longstreth. 

Earlham,  Ninth  mo.  4th,  1844. 

I  must  tell  thee  what  a  very  interesting  journey 
we  have  had  through  the  charming  lake  scenery  of 
Westmoreland,  Cumberland,  etc.,  though  two  meet- 
ings a  day,  beside  divers  calls,  have  not  left  much 
time  to  admire  it,  or  rather,  I  should  say,  to  explore 
it, — admire  it  we  have  at  every  turn,  Keswick  and 
Ulleswater  and  Windermere  perhaps  especially.  We 
called  on  William  Wordsworth  when  at  Ambleside, 
but  I  was  rather  disappointed  in  him.  He  gave  us  a 
most  kind  reception,  but  there  is  none  of  that  sim- 
plicity about  the  man  which  so  distinguishes  his 
poetry,  and  he  has  not  an  interesting  countenance. 
We  also  saw  Fox  How,  with  which,  by  name  at 
least,  you  are  no  doubt  familiar.  It  is  a  most 
charming  spot. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Earlham,  Tenth  mo.  loth,  1844. 

My  thoughts  were  much  with  you  during  our 
silent  meeting  this  morning,  and  if  I  had  any  sym- 
pathy with  thy  spirit,  it  was  clothed  with  that  true 
peace  in  which  hard  things  are  made  easy  and  bitter 
things  sweet.  Was  it  not  so,  my  dearly  beloved 
friend,  and  did  not  thy  heart  even  rejoice  and  give 
thanks  in  the  grateful  sense  permitted  thee  that  as 
the  streams  of  earthly  consolation  are  one  by  one 
cut  off  or  turned  aside,  the  unchanged  and  inex- 
haustible Fountain  becomes  inexpressibly  precious 
to  thy  soul?  In  connection  with  thy  own  dear  self, 
I  have  thought  much  to-day  of  the  beautiful  text, 
"  My  covenant  was  with  him  of  life  and  peace,  and  I 
gave  them  to  him  for  the  fear  wherewith  he  feared 
me  and  was  afraid  before  my  name,"  with  something 
of  a  persuasion,  I  think,  that  thou  wouldst  know 
this  blessed  declaration  concerning  Levi  to  be  more 
and  more  fulfilled  in  thy  own  experience;  but  I  am 
a  poor  creature,  and  dare  hardly  say  I  am  persuaded 
of  anything. 

Eleventh  mo.,  1844,  J.  J.  G.  writes  in  his  journal  : 
"  A  long  letter  on  the  subject  of  the  ministry  to  a 
dear  friend  and  relative,  the  result  of  some  thought 

13 


1^6       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

and  exercise  of  mind,  my  dearest  E.  P.  G.  approving. 
She  is  indeed  a  capital  guide,  and  I  seldom,  if 
ever,  do  wrong  or  foolishly  when  I  have  her  full 
accord."  ..."  What  a  blessing  our  union  is  to  me 
no  words  can  describe;  and  I  take  it  not  only  as 
good  in  itself,  but  as  a  token  for  good,  even  those 
richer,  higher,  and  larger  blessings  which  immedi- 
ately affect  the  soul's  salvation  !  I  know  not  what 
I  should  do  without  my  ever-cheering  friend  and 
helper,  the  daily  partner  of  my  passing  hours,  whose 
finger  is  ever  skilful  to  extract  each  worrying  thorn. 
What  thanks  can  I  render  for  such  a  gift?" 

Ninth  mo.,  1845. — "  It  is  a  very  great  comfort 
that  during  the  whole  of  this  journey  (to  the  north 
of  England),  in  private  and  in  public,  we  have  been 
closely  united  in  our  exercise  of  mind  and  in  our 
ministry.  My  dearest  E.  P.  G.  has  often  had  to 
prepare  my  way,  and  to  point  out  its  true  direction 
in  the  gallery.  And  her  own  ministry  has  been 
lively,  weighty,  searching,  and  yet  encouraging ; 
truly  prized  by  her  husband  and  partner,  and  ac- 
ceptable to  Friends.  Never  was  I  more  sensible  of 
the  nice  adaptation  to  my  needs,  and  of  the  unutter- 
able value  of  this  precious  gift  from  the  Lord." 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


J.  J.  Gurney  to  J.  K.  Clarke. 

Earlham,  Eleventh  mo.  2d,  1845. 

Ah,  my  dear  Julia,  what  a  favor  it  is  for  me  that 
the  deep  chasm  thus  occasioned,  and  which  would 
otherwise  have  been  scarcely  supportable,  has  been 
and  is  so  wonderfully  filled  up  for  me  in  thy  dearest 
sister,  who  is,  like  our  beloved  Elizabeth  Fry,  won- 
derfully gifted  with  ability  to  sustain,  comfort,  and 
gladden  others.  Under  Providence,  she  is  my  guide 
and  helper  to  a  most  remarkable  degree.  America 
has  cost  me  some  conflicts  certainly;  but  why 
should  I  complain  ?  That  free  and  happy  land  has 
also  supplied  me  with  my  dearest  earthly  treasure. 

J.  J.  Gurney's  journals  and  letters  abound  with 
expressions  similar  to  the  above  of  trust  and  ap- 
preciation. "  The  heart  of  her  husband  doth  safely 
trust  in  her." 

E.  P.  G.  to  F.  M.  Shoemaker. 

Earlham,  Third  mo.  30th,  1846. 
.  .  .  When  my  husband  gets  through  with  his 
various  engagements,  we  not  unfrequently  drive  out 
in  our  little  pony  gig  and  call  upon  the  neighboring 
cottagers,  which,  when  the  day  is  bright,  we  much 
enjoy.     Sometimes   he  drives    me  to  the  village 


1^8       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

schools,  which  we  have  under  our  especial  care,  and 
then  puts  questions  to  the  children,  to  their  great 
delight,  as  young  people  are  all  so  fond  of  him,  you 
know.  The  school  at  Babur,  about  two  miles  off,  is 
admirably  managed.  I  rarely  ever  saw  one  flourish 
more.  A  short  time  since  I  promised  a  book  to 
every  child  who  could  repeat  a  poem  perfectly  when 
we  might  happen  to  look  in  again.  Accordingly 
the  whole  school  learned  it,  as  I  quite  expected,  and 
about  a  week  ago  I  took  seventy-seven  books,  which 
were  distributed  among  them,  I  hope  to  the  benefit 
of  some.  I  do  not  know  whether  I  told  thee  that 
on  First  day  evening  the  cottagers  always  assemble 
at  the  hall  to  our  family  reading,  having  been  in  the 
habit  of  doing  so  for  thirty  years  or  more.  On  First 
day,  after  our  return  from  the  funeral  of  our  beloved 
sister  Fry,  my  husband  informed  them  that  the  next 
time  we  met  he  would  have  one  of  her  little  text- 
books for  every  one  who  came,  as  a  little  remem- 
brance of  her.  We  had  a  pretty  large  party  the  fol- 
lowing First  day  of  course,  and  he  distributed  the 
books  accordingly,  bestowing  a  few  that  were  left  on 
those  who  had  children  at  home  too  young  to  attend 
the  reading.  One  undergardener,  however,  who  has 
a  large  family,  had  one  little  boy  about  six  years 
old  for  whom  he  had  no  book,  which  appears  to 
have  been  greatly  to  his  disappointment.    We  heard 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  i 

nothing  about  it  until  about  a  week  afterward,  when 
we  were  informed  the  little  fellow  was  dead.  We 
went  directly  down  to  their  pretty  little  cottage,  and 
the  poor  afflicted  mother  gave  us  the  affecting  par- 
ticulars, first  taking  us  into  the  room  to  see  the 
remains.  The  pretty  little  curly-haired  boy  was 
neatly  laid  out  in  clean  white  linen,  and  on  his 
breast,  to  our  surprise,  we  saw  a  little  red-morocco 
text-book.  She  thus  explained  the  reason  for  its 
being  there  :  "  Please,  ma'am,  when  we  came  back 
from  the  hall  on  Sunday  evening  my  little  boy  was 
so  distressed  because  there  was  no  text-book  for 
him ;  for  you  know,  ma'am,  I  thought  they  would  be 
of  more  use  to  the  older  children.  But  he  seemed 
so  troubled  about  it  all  the  next  morning  that,  as  I 
knew  my  master  had  given  the  butler  some  to  dis- 
tribute, I  took  the  liberty  to  send  him  up  to  the  hall 
to  ask  if  he  might  have  one.  You  never  saw  anything 
so  delighted  as  he  was  when  he  brought  it  home, 
dancing  about  for  joy.  He  would  not  put  it  out  of 
his  hands  for  a  moment,  and  one  of  the  first  things 
he  did  was  to  search  out  a  text  which  he  had  learned 
at  school,  and  when  he  found  it  he  read  it  over  and 
over  again :  *  Suffer  little  children  to  come  unto  me, 
and  forbid  them  not,  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of 
heaven.'  This  was  on  the  Monday,  ma'am,  and  on 
Thursday  morning  he  was  a  corpse.     Poor  little 

13* 


I^O      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

dear  !  he  never  let  go  of  the  book  for  a  moment, 
even  when  he  was  in  great  pain,  and  I  determined  it 
should  be  buried  with  him,  for  I  could  not  bear  to 
have  it  taken  away."  Here  the  poor  woman  wiped 
the  tears  from  her  eyes,  which  flowed  freely ;  but 
she  seemed  to  be  greatly  comforted  by  the  beautiful 
text  which  appeared  so  remarkably  sent  to  her  dear 
little  boy.  I  thought  thou  would  be  interested  in 
this  little  story. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


CHAPTER  III. 

Joseph  John  Gurney's  health  had  for  some  years 
been  delicate,  but  nothing  had  occurred  to  awaken 
special  anxiety  until  Twelfth  mo.,  1846.  On  the 
22d,  on  his  return  from  his  customary  ride  to  Nor- 
wich, his  horse  stumbled,  throwing  him  with  some 
violence  into  the  street.  No  serious  injury  appeared 
to  have  been  sustained,  and  for  the  following  week 
he  continued  to  attend  without  special  difficulty  to 
his  usual  occupations.  On  the  28th,  however,  he 
became  seriously  ill,  and,  notwithstanding  all  the 
efforts  of  medical  skill  and  the  watchful  ministra- 
tions of  loving  hands,  he  continued  gradually  to  sink 
until  First  mo.  4th,  1847,  when  he  peacefully  ex- 
pired. 

One  is  disposed  to  draw  a  veil  over  the  crushing 
sorrow  that  now  oppressed  the  heart  of  the  widowed 
mourner.    "I  was  dumb;  I  opened  not  my  mouth, 
because  Thou  didst  it."    To  the  reader  experienced 
'    in  similar  bereavements  words  are  needless,  and  to 


1^2       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

others  it  were  idle  to  attempt  to  depict  her  feeling  of 
utter  desolation,  as  regards  all  earthly  things. 

"  With  silence  only  as  their  benediction, 
God's  angels  come 
Where,  in  the  shadow  of  a  great  affliction. 
The  soul  sits  dumb." 

Yet  her  habitual  dependence  on  a  higher  Power 
in  times  of  extremity  soon  came  to  her  aid,  and  she 
was  strengthened  to  wash  and  anoint,  that  she  might 
not  appear  to  men  unduly  to  fast,  but  to  manifest 
that  the  Everlasting  Arms  were  underneath  to  sus- 
tain and  comfort ;  and  although  her  **  sorrow  was 
stirred"  to  its  depths,  it  was  not  long  that  she  "held 
her  peace,  even  from  good."  She  felt  that  there 
were  others  whose  loss  was  scarcely  less  than  her 
own,  that  the  whole  neighborhood  and  the  church 
were  mourners  with  her,  and  that  it  was  her  duty 
not  only  to  show  forth  the  sustaining  power  of 
Divine  grace,  but  to  see  that  this  solemn  lesson 
should  not  fail  of  its  designed  effect  through  any 
neglect  of  hers  to  impress  it  upon  those  around  her. 
Her  public  ministry,  chastened  and  sanctified  by 
suffering,  was  faithfully  maintained;  the  evening 
gatherings  of  her  large  household,  increased  by 
many  sorrowing  neighbors,  were  regularly  kept  up; 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  153 

and  as  time  passed  on  she  endeavored  still  to  extend 
a  watchful  care  over  the  many  charitable  and  other 
interests  in  which  she  and  the  departed  one  had 
been  engaged  together. 

It  was  comforting  in  this  time  of  trial  to  have  the 
society  of  her  niece,  Harriet  H.  Kirkbride,  from 
America,  who  had  come  to  her  a  few  months  be- 
fore. 

She  naturally  turned  for  sympathy  to  her  honored 
friend,  H.  C.  Backhouse,  to  whom  she  wrote,  First 
mo.  5th : 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Earlham,  First  mo.  5th,  1847. 

My  very  dear  Friend, — They  are  strange  tidings 
that  I  am  going  to  tell  thee,  and  I  scarcely  know 
how  to  put  them  on  paper,  yet  I  do  not  like  thee 
to  hear  them  first  from  another  than  myself  My 
precious  husband  is  gone!  gone  with  the  redeemed 
of  the  Lord  to  Zion,  with  songs  and  everlasting  joy 
upon  his  head.  This  blessed  assurance  is  so  sealed 
upon  my  spirit  that  at  present  I  have  only  an  appal- 
ling consciousness  that  something  awful  has  hap- 
pened. The  full  sense  of  all  that  I  have  lost  in  that 
most  tenderly  beloved  one,  has  not  come  over  me, 
or  rather  is  swallowed  up  in  an  overwhelming  tide 
of  gratitude  to  that  adorable  God  and  Saviour  who 
dealt  so  mercifully  with  him  to  the  end,  shielding 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

him,  in  His  tender  pity,  from  an  immediate  view  of 
the  dark  valley,  which  he  had  always  rather  shrunk 
from  entering,  and  gilding  his  approach  to  it  with 
sunny  gleams.  Life  has  been  remarkably  bright 
and  pleasant  to  him  of  late,  and  his  health  unusually 
good,  enabling  him  to  labor  for  the  welfare  of  his 
fellow-beings  with  increased  activity.  But  the  fall 
from  his  horse,  which  I  mentioned  to  thee,  together 
with  exposure  to  the  cold,  and  possibly  some  other 
minor  causes,  combined  to  excite  the  system  and 
bring  on  the  attack  which  gently  let  him  down  to 
the  bed  of  deatli.  I  have  long  had  a  kind  of  unde- 
fined impression  that  his  end  was  not  far  off,  and 
now  "  that  which  I  feared  is  come  upon  me." 

Last  evening,  about  ten  o'clock,  without  the  least 
convulsive  movement  or  the  slightest  groan,  he  fell 
asleep  in  Jesus,  that  blessed  Saviour  whom  he  loved 
and  served  so  long  and  faithfully.  I  have  not  yet 
met  the  solemn  fact  that  I  am  left  alone ;  that  after 
five  years'  constant  sweet  companionship  I  am  de- 
prived of  one  who  was  perhaps  too  much  the  joy  of 
my  heart  and  the  delight  of  my  eyes,  whose  Chris- 
tian example  was  bright, — may  I  not  say  faultless  ? 
I  think  I  may  to  thee,  because  thou  knew  him  well, 
and  will  not  therefore  set  it  down  to  undue  par- 
tiality. The  full  sense  of  this  desolating  change  is 
yet  to  come ;  so  far  I  have  been  marvellously  sus- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 

tained,  and,  oh!  that  this  support  may  be  continued ! 
The  boundless  mercy  that  has  been  extended,  en- 
abling him  to  finish  all  the  work  that  was  assigned 
him,  then  gently  gathering  him  to  perfect  peace  and 
joy  and  blessedness,  giving  me  strength  to  minister 
to  all  his  temporal  wants,  both  night  and  day,  during 
this  week  of  great  infirmity,  and  enabling  me  to 
bear  this  awful  blow  and  not  faint  under  it, — a 
blessed  sense  of  this  is  now  my  portion.  But,  oh  ! 
think  of  me,  my  dear,  precious  friend,  in  the  dark 
days  of  solitude  which  must  be  mine,  and  pray  for 
me,  that  I  may  bear  them  patiently. 

Richenda  Cunningham,  a  sister  of  J.  J.  Gurney, 
writes  at  this  time  : 

January  7th,  1847. 

Out  of  the  abundance  of  my  heart  my  mouth  was 
obliged  to  speak  in  thankfulness  to  God  for  the  gift 
E.  P.  G.  had  been  to  us  as  a  family;  that  through 
her  instrumentality  the  latter  years  of  the  dear  de- 
parted one  had  been  gilded;  that  she  had  been  raised 
up  to  minister  to  his  every  want,  temporal  and  spirit- 
ual, to  share  his  every  sorrow,  and  to  partake  in  his 
joys.  Oh,  what  a  blessing  had  it  been  to  us  that  the 
evening  of  his  life  should  have  been  thus  cheered ; 
that  they  had  striven  together  for  the  faith  of  the 
Gospel ;  that  they  had  been  companions  in  labor. 


1^6      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

heirs  together  of  the  grace  of  life ;  that  her  tender 
watchfulness  had  guarded  him  from  so  much  that 
might  have  hurt  his  tender  spirit  or  injured  his  deli- 
cate frame !  And  such  was  her  love  and  devoted- 
ness  to  him  that  we,  as  a  family,  were  most  thankful 
to  give  him  up  to  her.  And  now,  during  the  last 
solemn  week  of  his  life,  how  could  we  be  thankful 
enough  for  her  soothing,  judicious  care  of  him  by 
night  and  by  day,  watching  over  him  with  intense 
solicitude,  ministering  with  her  own  hands  every 
alleviation  that  human  heart  or  love  could  devise, 
thus  cheering  him  on  unto  the  end,  that  it  might  be 
called  a  favored  illness !  A  soft  mantle  seemed  cast 
over  him,  hiding  from  him  the  dark  valley,  and 
shielding  him  from  the  sorrow  of  parting  with  his 
beloved. 

E.  P.  G.  to  G.  V.  Bacon. 

Earlham,  First  mo.  i8th,  1847. 

He  has  taken  away  ''the  delight  of  my  eyes"  and 
"the  joy  of  my  heart"  as  with  a  stroke,  and  brought 
a  deepening  shade  of  gloom  and  loneliness  over  this 
once  bright  home,  yet  He  is  faithful  to  His  promises, 
He  has  not  left  me  comfortless;  He  has  sustained 
my  drooping  spirits  by  the  sweet  incomes  of  His 
love  and  peace ;  He  has  filled  my  now  solitary 
dwelling-place  with  very  tender,  sympathizing  friends, 
and  has  enabled  me  to  feel  and  to  acknowledge  that 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  j^-r 

He  doeth  all  things  well.  He  gave  and  He  hath 
taken  away,  and  blessed  be  His  holy  name  forever! 
It  is  in  very  "  faithfulness  He  hath  afflicted  me," — of 
this  I  have  not  the  smallest  doubt, — and  He  has 
dealt  so  gently  and  so  mercifully  with  us  both  in 
various  ways,  He  has  so  gently  sloped  the  pathway 
to  the  tomb,  and  even  gilded  it,  that  I  feel  as  if  I 
ought  to  speak  only  of  His  love  and  faithfulness. 

Samuel  Gurney  to  E.  P.  G. 

First  mo.  24th,  1847. 

My  beloved  Sister, —  ...  I  am  passing  a  very 
quiet  Sabbath,  which  suits  well  my  tone  of  feeling 
in  returning  to  my  own  home  after  so  great  a  sorrow 
and  bereavement.  My  mind  has  been  much  with 
thee  in  thy  sorrowful  widowhood.  Truly  have  I 
desired  that  thou  mayst  continue  to  be  sustained  in 
that  resignation  and  submission  to  the  Divine  will 
which  has  been  so  eminently  thy  portion,  enabling 
thee  to  preach  most  impressively  amongst  us  by 
conversation  and  example  under  such  severe  afflic- 
tion. My  dearest  Elizabeth  unites  in  these  feelings. 
Surely  the  loss  of  one  so  peculiarly  near  to  each  of 
us,  under  which  we  mourn  together,  will  unite  us 
very  closely.  Thou  hast  indeed  lost  a  husband  of 
no  common  order.  Sorrow  must  long  continue  to 
be  thy  portion,  but  mayst  thou  from  day  to  day  ex- 


1^8      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

perience  that  Divine  love  is  still  near  thee,  and  that 
peace  prevails  through  and  over  all.  I  much  feel 
entering  again  into  my  usual  occupations  and  facing 
the  world  and  its  interests.  It  will  be  a  privilege 
indeed  if  I  am  increasingly  able  to  keep  these  things 
under  my  feet ;  but  my  position  is  a  peculiar  one.  I 
must  more  and  more  endeavor  after  that  spirit  under 
these  things,  of  which  the  dear  departed  one  set  so 
bright  an  example. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Earlham,  Second  mo.  17th,  1847. 

For  my  own  part,  I  am  helped  to  get  through  each 
day  without  being  overwhelmed,  though  now  and 
then  the  sense  of  loss  and  want  pours  in  like  a  flood, 
and  were  it  not  that  there  is  a  voice  mightier  than 
the  noise  of  many  waters,  the  stream  would  indeed 
"  have  gone  over  my  soul."  But  this  Almighty 
voice  has  again  and  again  proclaimed  a  calm,  and 
even  enabled  me  for  a  little  moment  to  rejoice  in  a 
blessed  sense  of  his  deliverance  from  all  adversity, 
and  of  his  cloudless  happiness,  his  perfect  joy. 
We  have  interesting  letters  from  Stephen  Grellet, 
my  sister  Julia,  and  others,  but  they  are  utterly  un- 
conscious of  what  is  passing  and  has  passed  amongst 
us.  My  mention  of  his  having  been  indisposed  has 
caused  them  some  anxiety,  and  they  were  longing 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  j^g 

for  the  next  intelligence,  but  would  evidently  be 
wholly  unprepared  for  the  mournful  tidings  which 
before  this  have  no  doubt  reached  their  shores. 


Stephen  Grellet  to  E.  P.  G. 

Second  mo.,  1847. 

My  beloved  and  deeply-afflicted  Friend, — 
Every  sensible  feeling  and  tender  emotion  of  my 
heart  is  awakened  toward  thee.  My  tears  are  ming- 
ling with  thine ;  for  thy  loss, — our  loss,  many  of  us 
can  also  say, — the  loss  of  the  church  militant,  and 
that  of  the  poor  and  needy,  is  great.  Nevertheless, 
my  dear  sister,  we  mourn  not,  as  thou  fully  knowest, 
like  those  that  are  without  hope.  Therefore,  amidst 
thy  sorrows,  thou  hast  heavenly  joys.  The  morning 
that  I  heard  of  the  solemn  event,  just  as  I  was  going 
to  meeting,  it  seemed  as  if  the  language  spoken  re- 
specting Enoch  was  applicable  to  thy  dear  J.  J.  G. : 
By  faith  Enoch  was  translated  that  he  should  not 
see  death,  and  was  not  found,  because  God  had 
translated  him."  Many  of  his  friends  have  this  seal 
respecting  him,  "  that  he  pleased  God."  But  now, 
further,  we  see  how  his  translation  has  been  such  that 
he  did  not  see  death,  nor  feel  the  pangs  of  it.  There- 
fore, my  dear  friend,  have  we  not  amidst  our  mourn- 
ing great  cause  to  rejoice,  in  that  our  bereavement 
here  is  the  addition  of  another  among  the  purified 


l5o      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


and  sanctified  ones  ?  This  strong  additional  attrac- 
tion of  thy  soul  to  the  heavenly  places  seems  to  me 
designed  to  give  unto  thee,  like  the  portion  that 
Elisha  had  desired  of  Elijah,  a  double  portion  of 
his  spirit." 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Third  mo.  1st,  1847. 

In  the  last  few  days  I  have  felt  something  of  the 
healing  virtue  of  the  Saviour's  love,  and  of  the 
mighty  efficacy  of  His  v^^ord  when  it  proclaims  a 
calm ;  a  little  courage  has  been  given  to  go  on,  a 
little  trust  that  I  shall  yet  be  helped  to  bear  life 
patiently,  and  to  encounter  all  its  roughnesses  with 
some  degree  of  Christian  fortitude,  and,  above  all, 
that  I  shall  be  enabled  to  fulfil  my  stewardship, 
perform  my  various  duties  faithfully,  and  wait  the 
appointed  time  until  my  change  shall  come.  But 
the  future  is  entirely  concealed  at  present,  nor  do  I 
try  at  all  to  penetrate  into  its  hidden  pages.  "Suf- 
ficient for  the  day  is  the  evil  thereof" 

If  I  am  mercifully  permitted  to  keep  under  the 
shelter  of  my  own  dear  home  for  the  present  year  at 
least,  I  shall  esteem  it  another  proof  of  the  tender, 
loving  kindness  of  a  pitying  Father,  who  knoweth 
our  frame,  and  remembereth  that  we  are  dust." 

I  am  glad  thou  wast  interested  in  the  American 
letters.    They  were  very  touching  to  me,  and  after  I 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


l6l 


had  read  them  I  was  reminded  of  the  language  : 
•*  From  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth  have  we 
heard  songs,  even  glory  to  the  righteous ;"  but  I 
said,  my  leanness,  my  leanness,  woe  unto  me  ! 

Anna  Backhouse  to  E.  P.  Gurney. 

Blackwell,  Third  mo.,  1847. 

I  never  think  the  remarks  people  make  of  the 
healing  that  time  brings,  are  very  helpful,  even  if 
they  are  true.  It  seems  better  every  way  to  en- 
deavor to  submit  to  the  present  weight  of  suffering, 
and  to  taste  the  consolation  and  help  that  are  given 
to  endure  each  day,  rather  than  to  look  forward  in 
any  way.  I  cannot  bear  to  look  forward  for  thee, 
so  that  I  can  easily  believe  it  is  too  much  for  thee  to 
do  so  for  thyself 

Anna  Backhouse  to  Julia  K.  Clarke. 

Blackwell,  near  Darlington, 
Fourth  mo.  28th,  1847. 

Seldom  indeed  has  there  been  the  severing  of 
such  a  tie  as  existed  between  her  and  my  dearest 
father.  Thou  can  tell  what  she  has  lost,  for  thou 
knew  him  so  well ;  but  perhaps  no  one  who  did  not 
see  their  married  life  could  quite  imagine  the  ex- 
tremely close  dependence  of  one  on  the  other.  They 

were  seldom  separated  for  more  than  an  hour  or 

14- 


1 62       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

two  at  a  time.  They  shared  every  object  together, 
small  and  great,  and  he  would  never  do  the  least 
thing,  if  he  could  help  it,  without  consulting  her. 
Thou  knows  that  amidst  all  his  happiness  he  had 
often  much  to  pass  through.  In  every  difficulty  he 
reposed  on  my  mother,  so  that  her  constant  atten- 
tion to  him  was  needed ;  and  I  have  often  thought, 
while  watching  him  when  poorly  in  body  and  low  in 
mind,  that  nothing  could  be  more  beautiful  than  to 
see  how  she  cheered  and  animated  him,  and  how  he 
returned  her  care  by  the  fondest  and  most  depend- 
ent love.  It  almost  seemed  as  if  such  a  tie  could 
not  be  broken.  Thou  can  easily  imagine  how  the 
remembrance  of  all  this  endears  my  dearest  mother 
to  us ;  how  thankful  it  makes  us  that  it  was  per- 
mitted to  this  precious  one  to  have  his  last  years  so 
brightened  by  such  a  wife, — as  he  says  himself,  a 
helper  exactly  adapted  to  all  my  necessities,"  con- 
stantly speaking  of  her  with  the  deepest  thankful- 
ness in  his  journals. 

Ann  F.  Barclay  to  J.  K.  Clarke. 

Fourth  mo.  24th,  1847. 

...  I  hope  that  the  wish  to  give  thee  any  little 
particulars  I  can  of  dearest  Cousin  Eliza  will  gain 
acceptance  for  my  letter.  What  she  is  to  all  of  us, 
who  for  the  last  five  years  have  been  delighting  in 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  163 

what  they  were  unitedly  to  the  whole  family  circle, 
thou  must  imagine,  for  I  cannot  describe  it.  She  is 
indeed  most  tenderly  cherished  by  us  all,  for  her  own 
and  for  his  dear  sake,  who  seems  now  to  have  left 
her  to  our  care  and  love  in  his  absence.  But,  oh !  it 
makes  one's  heart  ache  to  feel  what  the  absence  of 
that  love  and  of  the  beaming  brightness  of  his  pres- 
ence must  daily  be  to  her  stricken  heart.  Yet  to  be 
with  her,  to  feel  with  her,  and,  I  might  say,  to  suffer 
with  her  is  a  satisfaction ;  and  whilst  doing  so,  to  be 
made  sensible,  in  observing  her  meek  submission, 
that  day  by  day  the  Hand  of  Love  which  has  dealt 
this  fearful  blow,  is  supporting  her  and  giving  her 
strength  equal  to  her  day.  The  balance  is  clearly 
perceived  to  be  perfectly  adjusted  in  a  love  which 
we  may  well  trust,  though  we  cannot  fathom  it. 
How  much  I  should  like  thee  to  see  her  in  her 
daily  course !  Especially  would  it  touch  and  yet 
comfort  thee  to  see  her,  with  calm  serenity,  take  his 
part  with  this  large  household  every  morning  in  the 
family  Scripture  readings,  and  on  First  day  even- 
ings, when  it  is  further  increased  by  the  villagers, 
who  collect  in  one  of  the  spacious  rooms ;  and  then, 
with  clear  voice  and  tranquil,  serious  manner,  she 
reads  what  he  used  to  read.  And  often  in  the  en- 
suing silence  does  the  hushed  stillness  seem  to  savor 
of  the  repose  of  his  spirit,  though  affectingly  united 


164      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

with  the  sense  of  his  loss.  In  the  deportment  of  all 
the  people  there  is  a  sort  of  respectful  sympathy 
that  is  very  interesting,  and  it  is  one  among  the 
minor  soothings  for  her  to  be  surrounded  by  such  a 
feeling. 

E.  P.  G.  to  Ann  F.  Barclay. 

Earlham,  Fourth  mo.  29th,  1847. 
...  I  did  truly  feel  parting  from  thee  yesterday, 
and,  as  is  often  the  case  when  one  is  suffering  from 
any  particular  cause,  several  minor  troubles  rose  up 
to  disturb  me,  so  that  I  came  back  to  my  stripped 
home  low  enough,  and  did  not  recover  my  equanim- 
ity for  some  hours.  Truly  could  I  adopt  the  words 
of  which  that  most  beloved  one  was  so  fond, — 

"  I  seem  forsaken  and  alone, 
I  hear  the  lion  roar, 
And  every  door  is  shut  but  one. 
And  that  is  Mercy's  door." 

This  morning,  under  some  feeling  of  a  revival  of 
faith  and  renewal  of  comfort,  I  think  I  can  add  the 
concluding  lines, — 

"  There,  till  the  dear  Deliverer  comes, 
I'll  w^ait  with  humble  prayer; 
And  when  He  calls  His  exile  home, 
The  Lord  shall  find  me  there." 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  165 

...  I  love  to  dwell  upon  the  things  which  he 
enjoyed,  which  at  one  time  gave  me  such  a  pang  ; 
and  this  morning,  before  meeting,  as  I  walked  about 
our  bright  "  chrysanthemized"  garden,  repeating  his 
own  words, — "  Can  it  be  that 

"  '  From  Paradise  to  Paradise 

My  upward  course  extends ; 
My  Paradise  of  flowers  on  earth 
In  heaven's  Elysium  ends,'  " — 

such  a  precious  sense  was  given  me  that  this  ques- 
tion had  been  answered  in  the  affirmative,  to  his 
unspeakable  joy,  that  for  a  little  moment  I  forgot  to 
mourn, — a  feeling  of  enjoyment  filled  my  heart  to 
which  it  has  been  long  a  stranger. 

E.  P.  G.  to  Ann  F.  Barclay. 

Earlham,  Fifth  mo.,  1847. 
.  .  .  The  duties  which  were  once  a  pleasure  are 
become  a  burthen,  for  there  is  none  to  give  the  look, 
the  smile  of  cordial  approbation, — none  to  extend  a 
hand  of  help,  or  even  a  word  of  kind  encouragement. 
And  then  our  stripped  and  desolate,  and  sometimes 
dry  and  useless,  little  meetings !  How  often  have  we 
sat  together  there  in  heavenly  places  in  Christ  Jesus  ! 
How  often  has  his  soul-awakening  ministry  quick- 
ened my  lukewarm  spirit !   And  often,  too,  when  not 


1 66      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

a  word  was  spoken,  we  have  been  united  in  living 
worship,  for  I  could  not  help  catching  something  of 
the  glow  and  exercise  of  his  dedicated  soul.  Yet 
there  are  seasons  wherein  the  Heavenly  Shepherd 
does  still  respect  His  weary  heritage  ;  and,  though 
the  plaintive  language  may  go  forth,  "  The  prophets 
are  gone,  and  the  fathers,  where  are  they?"  we  are 
given  to  feel  "  the  Lord  of  Hosts  is  with  us,  the 
God  of  Jacob  is  our  refuge."  ...  I  do  desire  to 
cherish  a  feeling  of  gratitude  to  the  bounteous  Giver 
for  the  bestowal  of  such  a  choice  and  precious  gift 
on  one  of  the  most  unworthy  of  the  Lord's  children 
for  the  five  years  and  three  months  in  which  my  cup 
of  blessing  overflowed, — in  which,  I  believe  I  enjoyed 
a  larger  share  of  unmixed  earthly  happiness  than 
often  falls  to  the  lot  of  any  one.  Then  the  beautiful 
finish  to  his  work  of  faith  and  labor  of  love,  the 
complete  and  perfect  winding  up  of  life,  the  tranquil, 
peaceful,  and  unclouded  close  !  There  seemed,  indeed, 
to  be  nothing  in  the  way, — nothing  to  intercept  the 
entrance  of  the  pure  and  gentle  spirit  into  its  own 
congenial  home  of  love  and  joy.  What  more  could 
I  ask  ?  For  myself,  I  may  and  do  desire  a  grateful, 
humble,  dedicated  heart,  even  that  a  portion  of  his 
spirit  may  descend  upon  me. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Earlham,  Fifth  mo.  15th,  1847. 

At  our  reading  this  morning  a  sweet  calm  was 
spread  over  us,  and  as  I  read  the  fifth  verse  of  the 
second  chapter  of  Colossians,  I  felt  an  humble 
trust  that  it  might  be  even  so.  But,  oh  !  may  we  be 
steadfast  in  our  faith  ;  and  as  we  have  received  Christ 
Jesus  the  Lord,  so  may  we  walk  in  Him,  rooted  and 
built  up  in  Him,  and  established  in  the  faith  as  we 
have  been  taught,  abounding  therein  with  thanks- 
giving. I  think  I  can  earnestly  desire  this  for  myself 
and  our  whole  household. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Sixth  mo.  5th,  1847. 

I  feel  a  little  like  being  fastened  down  to  "  the 
grave's  mouth"  to-day,  and  my  soul  is  truly  in 
heaviness ;  but  I  strive  to  look  beyond  the  sorrows 
of  this  fleeting  scene  to  that  bright  world  of  glorious 
realities,  where  the  unfettered  spirit  counts  all  the 
little  trying  things  which  so  annoy  us  here,  lighter 
than  air  and  very  vanity.  Oh,  that  I  may  learn  to 
weigh  all  things  in  the  unerring  balance  of  the  sanc- 
tuary, that  I  may  see  with  the  eye  of  faith  that  these 
are  "  light  afflictions,"  that  they  last  *'  but  for  a 
moment,"  and  that  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal 


1 68      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

is  the  weight  of  glory  which  they  are  working  out 
for  those  who  love  Jerusalem  and  love  her  King 
above  their  chiefest  joy  !  I  trust  this  is  the  case 
with  us  both,  dearest  mamma ;  indeed,  I  am  sure  it 
is  with  thee,  and  I  hope  it  is  so  with  thy  poor  friend, 
weak  and  unprofitable  and  laden  with  infirmities  as 
she  feels  herself  to  be. 

Samuel  Bettle  to  E.  P.  G. 

Philadelphia. 

My  very  dear  Friend, — Thy  very  beautiful  token 
of  our  long,  and  to  me  very  precious,  friendship  has 
been  gratefully  received.  **  As  the  new  wine  is 
found  in  the  cluster,  and  one  saith.  Destroy  it  not 
for  a  blessing  is  in  it,"  so  we  can  appreciate  the  privi- 
lege of  a  new-made  friendship,  with  its  "  blessing  in 
the  cluster;"  but  as  years  roll  on,  how  fully  do  we 
realize,  as  many  of  our  old  friends  are  taken  away 
sometimes  from  the  evil  to  come,  the  value  of  those 
that  remain,  even  as  it  is  written,  "No  man,  having 
drunk  old  wine,  straightway  desireth  new,  for  he 
saith,  the  old  is  better."  Oh,  my  dear  friend,  how 
does  the  memory  of  one  so  dear  to  thee  come  up  in 
remembrances  of  the  past  and  passing  years,  like 
"precious  ointment  poured  forth"  !  And  now  most 
sweetly  am  I  reminded,  in  reference  to  him  and  his 
labors,  and  the  seals  to  his  ministry,  that  "they  that 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  169 

are  wise  shall  shine  as  the  brightness  of  the  firma- 
ment, and  they  that  turn  many  to  righteousness  as 
the  stars  for  ever  and  ever." 

Before  the  close  of  this  eventful  year  another  dark 
cloud  seemed  gathering  over  E.  P.  Gurney's  path- 
way. Her  lovely  step-daughter,  Anna  Backhouse, 
had  for  some  time  shown  symptoms  of  pulmonary 
disease,  which  did  not  yield  to  ordinary  treatment, 
and  occasioned  much  anxiety  to  her  friends.  It  was 
finally  thought  best  to  try  a  change  of  climate,  and 
in  the  Ninth  mo.,  accompanied  by  her  husband  and 
children,  she  left  England  for  the  south  of  France. 
To  this  movement  allusion  is  made  in  the  following. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Earlham,  Eighth  mo.  17th,  1847. 

She  (A.  B.)  speaks  of  being  brought  into  a  strait 
place;  and,  curious  enough,  when  I  picked  up  my 
Bible  for  my  regular  morning  reading,  I  opened  on 
the  verse,  **  And  David  said,  I  am  in  a  great  strait." 
It  immediately  occurred  to  me  we  could  not  do  better 
than  utter  the  petition  which  follows :  "  Let  me  fall 
now  into  the  hands  of  the  Lord,  for  very  great  are 
His  mercies,  but  let  me  not  fall  into  the  hands  of 
man."  If  we  commit  ourselves  Wholly  into  the 
Lord's  hand,  we  are  sure  that  when  the  afflictive 

15 


lyo      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

dispensation  has  served  its  purpose  He  will  say,  It 
is  enough,"  and  we  shall  not  have  one  more  pang 
than  is  absolutely  needful  for  us;  but  if  we  fall  into 
the  hands  of  man  (be  he  physician  or  be  he  not),  we 
never  can  be  sure  that  the  trial  in  every  way  may 
not  be  greatly  aggravated,  and  in  the  end  those  be 
made  sorrowful  whom  the  Lord  would  not  have 
made  sorrowful.  I  own  this  is  my  greatest  fear  in 
consulting  the  London  doctors,  who  we  are  sure 
will  advise  their  going  abroad,  and  we  are  also  sure 
that  if  they  do  so  advise,  they  will  go.  And  if  this 
is  in  right  ordering  it  will  all  be  well,  and  we  may 
see  this  dear  child  return  much  improved  in  the 
spring.  But,  on  the  other  hand,  if  the  M.D.'s  happen 
to  advise  wrong,  and  instead  of  getting  better  she 
should  grow  rapidly  worse,  what  a  thing  it  would  be 
for  John  to  have  the  whole  charge  of  her  and  the 
children  in  that  far-off  land !  And  who  is  at  liberty 
to  go  to  them  ? 

I  own  I  do  feel  it  a  very  serious  step,  and  one  that 
requires  to  be  looked  at  all  round,  though  I  dare 
not  discourage  it,  and  can  only  earnestly  desire 
that  we  may  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  Lord,  and 
that  He  will  graciously  condescend  to  direct  all  our 
steps.  Thus  may  we  dwell  in  the  secret  place  of 
the  Most  High,  and  abide  under  the  shadow  of  the 
Almighty." 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 

Last  Fifth  day,  at  our  Monthly  Meeting,  when  I 
was  constrained  out  of  the  depths  to  pour  forth  my 
supplications,  dear  William  Forster,  to  my  great  en- 
couragement, took  up  what  I  had  said,  and  spoke 
beautifully  upon  it.  His  sermons  have  been  really 
helpful  lately,  and  being  faithful  always  puts  him  in 
a  nice  mind,  so  that  we  have  quite  enjoyed  his 
company. 

Ann  F.  Barclay  to  E.  P.  G. 

Ninth  mo.  17th,  1847. 

...  I  desire  that  thou  mayst  find  the  power  to 
cast  thy  past  and  present  griefs  and  thy  unknown 
future  into  His  hands  whom  winds  and  seas  obey. 
Dost  thou  remember  the  lines, — 

"  Through  waves  and  clouds  and  stoims 
He  gently  clears  thy  way. 
Wait  thou  His  time :  thy  darkest  night 
Shall  end  in  brightest  day"  ? 

This  seems  the  only  true  view  that  can  be  taken 
of  the  deep  trials  and  wasting  sorrows  that  abound, — 
the  view  of  faith, — and  certainly  the  only  one  that 
brings  comfort  in  the  contemplation.  Probably  if 
we  were  not  thus  hemmed  in,  and  all  the  natural 
brightness  of  this  life  shut  out,  we  could  more  fully 
appreciate  the  gentleness  of  the  Hand  that  leads  us 
and  the  preciousness  of  the  light  of  His  countenance, 


1^2       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

and  understand  how  the  blessing  may  be  as  great 
in  withholding  as  in  giving.  But  yet,  my  darling 
cousin,  we  may  be  feeling  for  each  other  while  the 
course  of  this  discipline  is  going  on, — if  not  desiring 
that  one  another's  trials  may  be  lightened  by  being 
removed,  yet  lightened  by  the  strength  given  to  en- 
dure, the  experience  of  which  even  now  we  can 
sometimes  feel  to  be  a  better  blessing.  How  much 
more  in  time  to  come  shall  we  not  rejoice  together 
that,  though  pitied,  we  were  not  spared. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Earlham,  Ninth  mo.  i8th,  1847. 

Thy  sweet  letter  came  in  most  seasonably,  dearest 
mamma,  just  after  our  solemn  reading  yesterday 
morning,  wherein  I  was  constrained,  on  the  bended 
knee,  to  return  heartfelt  thanksgivings  that  our  most 
tenderly  beloved  one  had  been  gathered,  with  a  hand 
of  infinite  love  and  mercy,  from  the  conflicts  and 
trials  of  this  changing  scene,  and  earnestly  to  pe- 
*  tition  that,  whatever  might  be  in  store  for  any  of  us, 
the  work  of  Divine  grace  might  go  forward  in  our 
hearts  until  we  were  prepared  for  a  blessed  reunion, 
where  there  is  no  more  separation,  no  more  death. 
I  could  not  ask  for  the  life  of  our  darling  child ;  I 
could  only  desire  that  He  who  knows  what  is  best 
for  any  of  us  would  take  us  into  His  own  safe  care 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 

and  keeping,  and  finally  perfect  that  which  concern- 
eth  us  to  His  own  glory.  I  felt  relieved,  and  able  to 
enjoy  thy  sweet  letter  afterward,  which  I  showed  to 
Anna,  who  smiled  as  she  pointed  out  the  remark- 
able coincidence  between  thy  train  of  thought  and 
that  which  had  just  been  before  us.  It  evidently 
was  a  comfort  to  her.  Dear  child!  her  spirit  is 
almost  too  heavenly  to  leave  us  much  hope  that  she 
will  linger  in  this  sinful  world  a  great  while  longer, 
so  full  of  resignation  and  cheerful  acquiescence  to 
the  Divine  will.  It  is  truly  touching ;  and  altogether 
this  further  stripping  has  afresh  caused  me  to  feel 
that  "  I  am  bereaved,"  that  life  will  soon  contain  but 
very  few  to  bind  me  to  it. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

,  Earlham,  Eleventh  mo.  2d,  1847. 

I  never  felt  the  same  freedom  and  power  in  sup- 
plication before,  and  perhaps  have  not  often  had  the 
same  suffering  to  prepare  for  it.  Dear  J.  H.  felt  it 
evidently,  and  he  was  so  kind  and  affectionate  after- 
ward. Sweet  and  abundant  was  the  peace  that  was 
permitted  to  flow  into  my  heart  the  rest  of  the  day, 
so  that  I  could  exclaim,  with  Wilberforce,  "  How 
good  God  is  to  us  !"  He  has  been  far  better  to  me 
than  my  fears, — from  my  youth  up,  I  may  truly  say, 

— and  yet  I  go  on  faithlessly. 

15* 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Eleventh  mo.  i8th,  1847. 

.  .  .  After  a  while  we  settled  in  and  had  a  very 
comfortable,  interesting  time  together.  Then  Chenda 
and  myself  took  a  long  walk  upon  the  light-house 
hills,  which  thoroughly  refreshed  me.  The  air  was 
so  delightful,  and  sweet  and  pleasant  was  the  thought 
of  those  "still  waters  and  green  pastures,"  on  and 
beside  which  some  tenderly  beloved  ones  are  now 
reposing  in  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory. 

The  journey,  undertaken  with  such  cheering  an- 
ticipations, was  destined  soon  to  end  in  deep  sad- 
ness. The  usual  alternations  of  hope  and  fear  at- 
tended as  the  dear  invalid's  condition  varied  from 
day  to  day,  yet  her  weakness  evidently  increased. 
A  political  disturbance  in  Italy  made  it  necessary 
for  the  party  to  take  refuge  on  board  the  English 
man-of-war  steamer  "  Bulldog,"  then  lying  in  the 
harbor  of  Palermo;  and  on  her  deck,  on  the  17th 
of  First  mo.,  1848,  Anna  Backhouse  breathed  her 
last. 

"  How  sad  that  thus  her  course  should  end, 
With  War's  terrific  thunders  nigh  ! 
A  battle-ship  its  shelter  lend, 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


Warriors  her  dying  couch  befriend, 
Mourners  unknown  her  bier  attend, — 
'Twas  '  a  strange  place  to  die  !' 

The  following  letters  give  some  indication  of  the 
deep  sorrow  which  this  mysterious  Providence  oc- 
casioned : 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Earlham,  Second  mo.  2d,  1848. 

.  .  .  Oh,  how  sweet  and  heart-cheering  it  is  to 
look  above  the  gloom  and  sadness  of  the  grave,  to 
contemplate  the  joys  of  that  reunion,  the  fulness  of 
that  song  of  praise  which  I  could  almost  fancy  I 
hear  in  the  deep  stillness  of  this  dear  stripped  home! 

When  shall  I  wake  and  find  me  there  ?"  How 
wonderfully  all  my  ties  to  earth    are  loosening 
Surely  I  shall  not  be  left  in  this  wilderness  alone ! 

.  .  .  Her  end  was  perfect  peace,  on  board  the 
vessel  off  Palermo.  She  had  been  very  nicely  the 
day  before,  but  going  on  deck  to  inquire  after  Mary 
Ann,  who  had  been  uncomfortable  in  another  vessel, 
she  complained  of  shortness  of  breath,  asked  to  be 
laid  on  the  deck,  said  she  was  very  comfortable, 
thought  it  was  a  strange  place  to  die  in,  kissed  dear 
little  Johnny  and  told  him  to  be  a  good  boy  and 


*  Her  own  expression. 


1^6      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

he  would  go  to  heaven,  said  she  was  going  to  Jesus 
and  to  her  dearest  father,  and  quietly  and  sweetly 
breathed  her  last.  How  like  her  life  has  her  death 
been !  Dearest  John  says  never  was  there  a  spirit 
more  meet  for  heaven,  and  this  would  be  the  testi- 
mony of  every  one  who  knew  her  well. 

William  Forster  to  E.  P.  G.,  on  the  death  of 
Anna  Backhouse. 

Second  mo.  3d,  1848. 

...  I  know  we  ought  to  rejoice  and  give  thanks 
that  our  dear  Anna  is  safely  gathered  to  her  heavenly 
rest,  but  still  we  cannot  but  feel  what  we  have  lost. 
It  may  not  be  for  our  comfort  to  dwell  too  much 
upon  the  time  and  place  and  circumstances  under 
which  she  was  led  through  the  dark  valley,  but 
rather  to  cherish  all  confidence  that  her  Lord  was 
with  her,  that  His  blessing  rested  upon  her,  that 
His  eye  was  over  her,  that  He  cared  for  her,  that 
He  ministered  to  her  abundantly,  according  to  what 
He  knew  to  be  her  need,  and  that  she — blessed 
be  His  name ! — knew  that  He  had  prepared  a 
mansion  for  her  in  His  Father's  house.  What  more 
ought  we,  could  we,  ask  or  desire? 

Surely  we  are  bound  more  than  ever  to  confess 
to  the  wisdom  and  love  of  our  tender  and  merciful 
Father  in  Heaven  that  He  took  dearest  Joseph  to 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  lyy 

Himself  before  all  this  came  upon  us.  Certainly  it 
was  at  an  hour  appointed  of  God,  and  chosen  in  His 
love. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Earlham,  Second  mo.  9th,  1848. 
I  told  William  that  I  should  read  the  letter  from 
Palermo  to  the  servants  and  villagers  in  the  evening, 
with  a  few  observations  I  had  made  upon  it,  and 
when  we  went  into  the  anteroom,  to  my  surprise,  I 
found  it  filled, — between  fifty  and  sixty  persons  pres- 
ent. Nothing  could  exceed  their  profound  attention, 
and  the  feeling  they  manifested  almost  prevented  my 
getting  on.  But  I  was  enabled  to  finish  it,  and  a 
most  interesting  and  solemn  time  we  had. 

E.  P.  G.  to  . 

Earlham  (no  date). 

My  beloved  Friend, — Thy  kind,  sympathizing 
letter  was  duly  received,  and  very  acceptable,  but  I 
do  not  feel  as  if  I  could  write  much  to  any  one. 
"By  terrible  things  in  righteousness"  the  Lord  seems 
indeed  to  have  been  answering  our  prayers  that  He 
would  make  us  wholly  His  own  ;  and  very  solemn 
has  been  the  conviction  which  this  added  sorrow  has 
sealed  on  my  own  mind  that  there  will  soon  be  but 
little  left  to  divert  my  attention  from  heaven  and 
heavenly  things,  while  the  attraction  thitherward  is 


1^8       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

continually  strengthening.  A  more  affectionate,  du- 
tiful, loving,  and  sympathizing  daughter  no  own 
mother  could,  I  think,  have  possessed,  and  the  loss 
is  great  in  proportion.  I  believe  I  may  truly  say  not 
a  single  cloud  intercepted  the  closeness  of  our  union 
from  its  commencement  to  its  close  ;  and  we  have 
kept  up  a  regular  correspondence,  whenever  we  have 
been  separated,  for  the  last  seven  years.  Some  of 
her  letters  from  the  Continent  have  been  peculiarly 
sweet,  and  manifest  a  ripeness  for  the  heavenly  in- 
heritance very  surprising  in  so  young  a  person. 

S.  Grellet  to  E.  P.  G. 

Third  mo.  8th,  1848. 

My  beloved  Friend, — Through  the  kind  atten- 
tion of  thy  dear  sister  Clarke  we  have  received  this 
morning  the  very  affecting  and  mournful  intelligence 
of  the  sore  bereavement  thou  hast  so  soon  again  to 
witness  by  the  decease  of  thy  so  tenderly  beloved 
daughter,  Anna  Backhouse.  We  are  sensible  what 
a  rending  of  heart  this  is  to  thee,  and  to  many  other 
of  her  nearly  attached  relatives,  with  whom  we 
mingle  in  near  sympathy.  It  seems  as  if  thou  hadst 
now  to  drink  again  of  the  full  cup  of  bitterness  that 
was  by  Him,  whose  ways  and  dispensations  are  all  in 
wisdom  and  in  mercy,  prepared  for  thee  very  little 
more  than  twelve  months  before.    I  doubt  not,  be- 


ELIZA  P.  GUKNEY.  lyg 

loved  friend,  but  that  the  same  Almighty  arm  that 
was  then  so  eminently  and  graciously  extended  for 
thy  support  and  consolation  is  now  also  felt  by  thee 
to  be  very  near,  and  that  thou  canst  with  faith  and 
assurance  draw  on  the  present  occasion  comfort  and 
consolation  out  of  the  same  stream  thou  didst  so 
bountifully  before.  Amidst  deep  mourning  there  is, 
methinks,  the  springing  up  of  great  joy.  Father 
and  daughter  were  very  closely  united  in  their  lives  ; 
they  are  now  also  after  death.  I  thought  her  a  very 
lovely  plant.  She  loved  the  Saviour,  and  He  loves 
His  own  unto  the  end.  Dear  Eliza,  in  Divine  mercy, 
may  we  not  contemplate  thy  steps  to  have  been 
directed  to  England,  not  to  contract  ties  to  attach 
thee  to  this  life  through  great  and  sweet  enjoyments, 
but  to  form  ties  that  draw  thy  spirit  strongly  heav- 
enward, where  the  rich  treasures  are  gathering, 
whereto  thy  heart  also  is  often  lifted  up  ?  Yet  a 
little  while,  my  dear  sister,  and,  through  the  tender 
mercies  of  the  dear  Redeemer,  thou  wilt  be  per- 
mitted to  join  the  purified  spirits  in  keeping  the 
solemn  feast  of  ingathering. 

In  the  Sixth  mo.,  1848,  E.  P.  Gurney  was  grati- 
fied by  the  arrival  of  her  sister,  Julia  K.  Clarke, 
from  America,  for  an  extended  visit,  which  was 
truly  cheering  and  comforting  to  her. 


l8o      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


The  large  establishment  at  Earlham,  with  its 
heavy  cares  and  responsibilities,  had  now  become  a 
burden  from  whic^  E.  P.  Gurney  felt  that  she  should 
be  relieved.  The  tie  that  had  held  her  there  was 
broken,  the  charm  dispelled. 

"...  The  radiance  was  not  dim 

That  used  to  gild  his  favorite  hill ; 
The  pleasures  that  were  dear  to  him 

Were  dear  to  life  and  nature  still. 
The  life  was  gone,  the  breath  had  fled, 

And  what  had  been  no  more  could  be ; 
The  well-known  form,  the  welcome  tread, — 

Oh,  where  were  they,  and  where  was  he?" 

Yet  the  elegant  home,  which  taste  and  skill  had 
so  long  labored  to  beautify  and  adorn,  could  not  be 
left  without  awakening  deep  and  mingled  feelings  in 
all  who  had  shared  in  its  enjoyments.  Well  might 
Catharine  Gurney  write  to  E.  P.  G. :  .  .  .  I  don't 
like  to  think  of  the  future  as  it  regards  Earlham, 
and  can  only  trust  it  will  be  ordered  aright  for  all  of 
us.  How  I  do  feel  the  force  of  those  words,  '  I  have 
seen  an  end  of  all  perfection ;'  but  we  must  not  omit 
as  the  contrast,  *  Thy  commandment  is  exceeding 
broad.'  Nothing  ever  made  us  feel  this  so  power- 
fully as  the  event  of  last  year.  Such  a  rooting  up 
of  earthly  dependence !" 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


l8l 


E.  P.  G.'s  plans  were  thus  foreshadowed  in  a  letter 
to  her  cousin  and  sister-in-law,  S.  A.  Bacon,  with 
whom  she  at  one  time  had  a  most  happy  home : 

Earlham,  1848. 

...  I  do  not  yet  see  my  way  clearly  to  anything, 
but  I  think  the  probability  is  I  shall  remain  at  Earl- 
ham until  the  Sixth  mo,,  and  then  remove  to  the 
Grove,  the  dear  old  residence  of  Joseph  Gurney,  the 
father  of  Hannah  C.  Backhouse.  It  is  a  sweet  spot, 
only  three  miles  from  Earlham,  and  I  have  some 
deeply  interesting  associations  with  it,  so  that  if  I 
leave  Earlham  I  shall  prefer  going  there ;  but  I  wish 
to  be  directed  in  every  step.  It  would  be  a  wrench 
indeed  to  tear  myself  away  from  this  loved  spot,  but 
if  it  is  in  right  ordering  it  will  all  be  made  easy. 

At  present  peace  rests  in  a  remarkable  manner 
on  my  tarriance  here. 

Amelia  Opie  to  E.  P.  G. 

Sixth  mo.  23d,  1848. 

.  .  .  Thou  art  often  in  my  thoughts,  and  hast  been 
often  on  my  tongue  this  evening,  for  it  is  pleasant 
to  talk  of  those  we  love  and  honor  with  those  who 
appreciate  them  as  we  ourselves  do.  The  near  ap- 
proach now  of  my  return  to  my  new  home  is  truly 

welcome  to  me.    I  have  a  strong  conviction  on  my 

16 


1 82      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

mind  that  I  shall  never  probably  see  London  again. 
I  do  not  say  this  despondingly,  but  cheerfully,  as  I 
trust  that  my  new  home  will  appear  to  me  a  com- 
fortable one  for  my  declining  age,  and  a  quiet  place 
to  die  in.  When  a  nun  takes  the  veil,  she  puts  on 
for  the  last  time  all  the  jewelled  fineries  and  splendid 
apparel  she  used  to  be  pleased  to  wear,  and  then  she 
takes  them  off  forever,  and  exchanges  them  for  a  more 
simple  robe  becoming  her  altered  feelings.  I  com- 
pare my  own  present  brilliant  career  here  this  year 
in  many  pleasant  scenes,  with  welcoming  and  loving 
and  distinguished  friends  around  me,  to  the  different 
scene  which  awaits  me  in  my  humble  home  and  my 
more  bounded  circle ;  where,  forsaking  probably  for- 
ever my  London  scenes,  I  shall,  I  humbly  hope,  be 
happy  to  remain  till  this  mortal  shall  put  on  immor- 
tality. It  is  time  it  should  be  so.  It  will  not,  how- 
ever, be  so  easy  for  me  to  give  up  Yearly  Meeting. 
My  recollections  of  that  time  are  full  of  thee,  dearest 
Eliza,  and  I  remember  with  heartfelt  pleasure  thy 
interesting  and  touching  and  modest  bearing  in  the 
meetings  at  which  I  saw  thee,  and  I  felt  it  a  privilege 
to  be  always  so  near  thee. 

E.  P.  G.'s  removal  to  the  Grove  took  place  in  the 
Seventh  mo.,  1848. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Grove,  Ninth  mo.  30!,  1848. 
I  took  my  last  farewell  of  the  grounds  with  my 
sister,  who  was  deeply  feeling  the  whole  thing.  So 
far  I  had  not  shed  a  single  tear,  though  my  heart 
was  heavy  as  lead ;  but  when,  on  our  return  to  the 
house,  I  saw  William  Forster  standing  at  the  hall 
door,  looking  unutterably  sad,  I  felt  I  could  stout  it 
out  no  longer,  and  completely  broke  down,  which 
was  a  real  relief  to  me,  and  made  the  actual  drive- 
off  much  easier.  Still,  it  was  sad  enough  to  turn  my 
back  forever  on  that  cherished  home,  the  birth-  and 
burying-place  of  one  far  dearer  to  me  than  my  own  ex- 
istence, even  when  that  existence  was  much  brighter 
than  it  can  ever  be  again.  Our  drive  was  one  of  al- 
most unbroken  silence,  but  as  soon  as  I  reached  this 
dear  spot  a  gleam  of  comfort  shot  across  my  heart, 
accompanied  with  the  conviction  that  it  would  indeed 
be  a  peaceable  habitation  and  a  quiet  resting-place. 

A  wakeful  night  was  my  portion,  but  not  entirely 
sleepless,  and  far  from  being  altogether  a  painful  one, 
though  it  was  strange  and  bewildering  to  feel  myself 
really  in  a  new  home,  to  know  the  event  I  had  so  , 
long  looked  forward  to  with  dread  has  actually 
taken  place,  and  that  the  dwelling  I  had  entered 


184      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

with  feelings  of  cloudless  happiness  not  quite  seven 
years  ago  was  closed  on  me  forever.  But  it  is  all  in 
right  ordering,  and  I  must  now  leave  the  things  that 
are  behind  and  endeavor  to  press  forward  toward 
the  mark.  Oh,  if  I  may  but  attain  to  it  at  last  and 
win  the  prize ! 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Grove,  Fifth  mo.  3d,  1849. 
My  aunt  Paul,  my  sister  Shoemaker,  and  some 
other  of  my  relatives  in  Philadelphia  are  rather 
concerned  about  my  health,  having  probably  heard 
exaggerated  accounts  of  it,  and  they  urge  my  re- 
turning to  America  this  summer  with  J.  A.  and 
Harriet,  thinking  my  native  air  may  do  me  good. 
I  am,  however,  much  better  since  our  return  from 
Dover,  and  do  not  see  my  way  across  the  water 
at  present.  I  may,  nevertheless,  tell  thee,  dearest 
mamma,  that  I  have  seen  more  light  on  revisiting  my 
native  land  in  the  last  few  weeks  than  ever  before, 
and  I  should  not  be  surprised  if  another  summer 
(not  this)  found  me  in  Philadelphia.  But  I  have  no 
anxiety  about  it,  and  only  desire  to  leave  it  in  the 
hands  of  the  great  Disposer  of  events,  who,  I  am 
well  assured,  will  order  all  things  wisely,  and  cause 
them  to  promote  our  highest  good.  I  think  I  can- 
not yet  spare  Harriet.    J.  A.  still  talks  of  returning 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  jg^ 

after  the  Yearly  Meeting,  but  some  of  the  family 
have  been  persuading  her  that  she  cannot  leave 
me,  and  indeed  I  should  miss  her  very  much, — her 
influence  is  so  cheering  in  the  house. 

The  near  approach  of  this  annual  gathering  looks 
somewhat  fearful,  and  one  almost  shrinks  from  en- 
countering it.  How  altered  it  is  in  its  character 
since  I  first  knew  it !  so  many  gone  and  going.  But 
what  a  blessed  company  of  tenderly  beloved  ones  is 
gathered  and  still  gathering  to  the  general  assembly 
and  church  of  the  first  born  whose  names  are  wTitten 
in  heaven!  How  many  dear  ones  have  returned  to 
Zion  with  songs  and  everlasting  joy  upon  their 
heads !  May  we  be  enabled,  in  some  small  measure, 
to  unite  in  their  praises  and  rejoice  with  their  joy! 

Her  sister,  J.  K.  Clarke,  returned  to  America  in 
the  summer  of  1849.  E.  P.  Gurney  thus  writes  to 
her  Eighth  mo.  31st: 

It  seems  strange  indeed  to  address  thee  with  pen 
and  ink,  and  I  can  scarcely  believe  thou  art  actually 
gone  for  good.  Yet  there  is  such  a  stamp  of  right 
upon  the  step,  and  that  peace  which  passeth  all 
understanding  so  remarkably  rests  upon  it,  I  can- 
not have  any  misgivings.    But  perhaps  we  may  all 

meet  in  America  some  day,  as  I  quite  look  forward 

16* 


1 85      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

to  visiting  my  native  land  in  the  course  of  another 
year,  and  this  makes  it  easier  to  part  with  thee,  my 
beloved  sister.  Truly,  thy  visit  was  well  timed. 
Thou  hast  secured  many  warm  and  attached  friends, 
and  wilt  read  our  letters  with  increased  zest,  having 
a  perfect  knowledge  of  people  and  things  ;  so  that  in 
every  way  the  gain  of  thy  having  come  has  been 
great.  Indeed,  I  do  not  know  how  I  should  have 
summoned  courage  to  break  away  from  all  the  fond 
associations  of  my  dear  Earlham  home  if  it  had 
not  been  for  thy  cheering  influence.  I  have  often 
thought  that  thou  wast  sent,  in  very  tender  mercy, 
to  take  me  from  the  sorrows  of  the  recent  overwhelm- 
ing past,  back  to  the  happy  days  of  early  childhood, 
turning  the  current  of  my  thoughts  into  a  healthier 
channel,  and  giving  me  a  hold  on  life  again. 

Edward  Pease  to  E.  P.  G. 

Eleventh  mo.  14th,  1849. 

.  .  .  Thy  expression  that  my  last  had  tended  to 
cheer  thee  gives  me  a  little  courage,  and  bids  me 
to  say,  dear  Eliza,  that  thy  most  welcome,  beauti- 
fully-filled sheet  did  deeply  interest  and  comfort  me. 
We  are,  I  humbly  trust,  of  that  company  of  whom 
a  book  of  remembrance  was  written,  and,  precious 
addition,  "  They  shall  be  mine."  Sometimes  the 
love  of  Christ  is  so  shed  over  us  that,  reverently,  we 


•  ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  1 87 

dare  so  to  think  and  to  believe ;  and  it  seems  to  me 
that  it  has  been  so  remarkably  thy  lot  in  life  to  see 
the  wonders  of  the  Lord  in  the  depths  of  His  deal- 
ings with  thee,  and  in  the  indescribable  extent  of  His 
loving  kindness  and  purifying  refinings,  that,  when 
the  jewels  are  made  up,  thou  wilt  be  there.  I  say  not 
this  in  that  affection  that  I  bear  to  thee  as  a  friend, 
great  as  that  is,  but  from  having  long  marked  the 
turnings  of  the  Lord's  hand  on  thee,  and  giving  thee 
of  His  peace  as  well  as  His  power.  And,  dear  Eliza, 
wherever  thou  art,  or  under  whatever  circumstances, 
have  courage  to  use  it,  so  that  thy  ways  pleasing  the 
Lord,  if  even  there  was  enmity  in  any  spirit,  it  should 
be  at  peace  with  thee ;  so  fear  not.  ...  I  can  well 
comprehend  the  pleasure  of  mingling  with  thy  be- 
loved relations,  and  while  no  one  can  condemn  the 
execution  of  thy  design  (to  visit  America),  yet  my 
secret  wish  seems  to  be  that  it  might  not  be  carried 
out  in  my  time,  which  may  be  very  short.  I  do 
not  like  that  this  land  should  spare  thee,  and  the 
church,  in  which  thou  hast  a  good  and  useful  stand- 
ing, cannot  spare  thee  permanently,  so  may  I  ask 
thee  not  to  indulge  one  thought  about  settling  there, 
but  so  long  as  I  live  let  me  have  the  pleasure  of  con- 
templating thy  return,  and  that  we  may  meet  again ; 
if  not,  may  we  meet  on  a  happier  shore. 


1 88      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Grove,  Eleventh  mo,,  1849. 
Cousin  Anna  Gurney  dined  with  us  yesterday 
very  agreeably,  and  I  invited  Lucy  Aggs,  Amelia 
Opie,  and  Anna  Forster  and  her  sister  to  meet  her, 
which  answered  nicely.  She  came  at  three  o'clock, 
on  purpose  that  we  might  have  a  nice  private  chat 
together  before  the  others  arrived,  and  most  sweet 
and  affectionate  she  was.  What  a  treat  it  is,  in  this 
little  minny-minded  world,  to  meet  with  a  large- 
souled,  generous,  noble  creature  of  whom  you  can 
approve  entirely!  Just  such  is  Cousin  Anna.  I  never 
was  more  deeply  impressed  with  the  greatness  of 
her  character  than  during  our  intimate  conversation 
yesterday.  What  a  splendid  Friend  and  minister 
she  would  have  made,  notwithstanding  her  lame- 
ness !  Indeed,  I  think  her  very  helplessness  would 
have  added  to  the  effect,  giving  an  emphasis  of  in- 
terest to  the  whole.  But,  alas !  not  many  rich,  not 
many  mighty,  not  many  noble  seem  to  stumble  into 
our  path,  or  rather,  perhaps  I  should  say,  seem  willing 
to  be  led  into  it. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Grove. 

...  I  then  took  them  to  Anderson  Reid's  and 
to  the  jail,  to  both  of  which  places  R.  Sturges  has 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  jSq 

rather  a  concern  to  go.  The  whole  weight  of  the 
service,  however,  fell  upon  me,  most  unexpectedly, 
and  she  said  she  beheved  she  had  gone  on  my  ac- 
count. I  was  much  interested  in  two  young  women 
(one  of  them  only  eighteen)  who  are  to  be  trans- 
ported. They  were  exceedingly  affected  when  I 
addressed  them,  and  listened  with  great  interest  to  a 
tract  we  read  to  them.  In  parting  I  simply  said, 
"  Farewell !  I  hope  I  may  meet  you  next  where  there 
is  no  more  sin  and  no  more  death  ;  but,  remember, 
as  death  leaves  us  judgment  will  find  us,"  and  the 
poor  creatures  put  up  their  aprons  to  their  faces  and 
sobbed  aloud.  I  do  not  know  when  I  have  had  such 
a  sense  of  the  awfulness  of  sin  or  of  the  exceeding 
greatness  of  redeeming  love  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.  We  afterward  visited  a  debtor,  whose 
heart  was  as  hard  as  a  stone,  a  fine  lady-like-looking 
person,  but  very  high,  and  justifying  herself  in  the 
strongest  terms.  She  was  brought  down,  however, 
in  degree  by  being  reminded  that,  though  man  may 
judge  wrongfully,  there  is  One  that  searcheth  the 
heart,  who  will  render  unto  each  of  us  according  to 
our  works.  "Whither  shall  I  flee  from  Thy  spirit?" 
R.  Sturges  also  said  a  few  words  to  her,  and  I  hope 
her  heart  was  touched,  as  she  received  our  tracts 
with  thanks ;  but  she  was  not  in  the  tender  state  that 
those  poor  creatures  were  by  any  means. 


igO      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Grove,  First  mo.  15th,  1850. 
Some  part  of  every  day  since  Sixth  day  last  has 
been  devoted  to  poor  old  Sarah  Racey's  dying  bed. 
It  was  really  quite  striking  to  see  any  one  so  calm 
and  self-possessed  at  such  a  moment,  for  she  is 
evidently  passing  through  the  dark  valley,  and  is 
entirely  sensible  of  it.  We  had  quite  a  smiling  time 
over  the  blessedness  of  putting  off  mortality,  with  all 
its  sorrows,  sufferings,  and  tribulations,  and  being 
clothed  upon  with  immortality,  its  light  and  joy  and 
peace  and  happiness.  She  echoed  all  I  said  about  it, 
clasping  her  hands  and  looking  really  pleased,  as  if 
she  were  about  to  take  a  pleasant  journey  and  liked 
to  hear  of  the  accommodations  at  the  end  of  it.  I 
could  not  understand  myself  to  be  so  utterly  un- 
moved by  such  a  scene, — death  used  to  seem  so 
awful  to  me.  Has  my  heart  grown  colder,  or  is  it 
that  we  learn  to  form  a  truer  estimate  of  things  as 
life  goes  on  ?  Instead  of  being  the  end  of  pleasure 
and  enjoyment,  as  we  are  apt  to  consider  it  in  early 
life,  we  learn  to  think  of  it  as  the  termination  of  sor- 
row and  suffering,  and  the  commencement  of  true 
happiness.  She  broke  forth  into  praises  and  thanks- 
giving just  before  I  left  her,  very  touchingly  ex- 
claiming, with  a  voice  broken  by  the  great  oppres- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  iqi" 

sion  on  her  breathing,  "  Oh,  yes,  my  Saviour  is  most 
merciful.  He  does  not  wiUingly  afflict  me.  Blessed 
forever  be  His  worthy  name  !" 


From  E.  P.  G.'s  Journal. 

Grove,  First  mo.  2ist,  1850. — Oh,  were  it  not  that 
we  are  graciously  permitted  and  invited  to  come 
with  our  emptiness  to  the  fulness  which  is  in  Christ, — 
aye,  and  with  the  burthen  of  our  guilt  and  trans- 
gression,— to  the  atoning  fountain  of  the  everlasting 
covenant,  what  would  become  of  any  one  of  us  ? 
Help,  Lord,  or  we  perish  forever  ! 

There  is  something  very  sad,  almost  humiliating 
to  me,  in  the  idea  of  time  blunting  our  feelings,  so 
that  we  do  not  feel  the  same  acute  sorrow  for  the 
loss  of  those  we  so  tenderly  loved  as  we  did  in  the 
early  days  of  our  bereavement,  while  suffering  under 
the  immediate  pressure  of  the  stroke,  and  while  the 
wound  is  bleeding  freshly  from  the  sudden  rend- 
ing of  the  cherished  tie.  Yet  surely  this  is  in  the 
merciful  ordering  of  Him  whose  name  is  Love. 

"  Sunk  in  self-consuming  anguish, 
Can  the  poor  heart  always  ache  ? 
No  !  the  tortured  nerve  will  languish, 
Or  the  strings  of  life  must  break." 


ig2      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

I  have  often  been  reminded  latterly  of  these  beau- 
tiful lines  of  Montgomery  and  have  felt  their  truth ; 
yet  surely  I  have  no  cause  to  quarrel  with  my  own 
heart  for  not  being  faithful  to  its  sorrows,  if  I  may 
so  speak.  They  seem  to  be  engraven  upon  it  with 
an  iron  pen,  and  I  believe  death  alone  will  ever 
obliterate  them. 

How  often,  under  a  humbling  sense  of  my  own 
poverty  and  nothingness,  have  I  been  led  to  put  up 
the  petition  of  the  royal  Psalmist,  **  O  God,  Thou 
knowest  my  foolishness,  and  my  sins  are  not  hidden 
from  Thee.  Let  not  those  that  wait  on  Thee  be 
ashamed  for  my  sake ;  let  not  those  that  seek  Thee 
be  confounded  for  my  sake.  Lord  God  of  Israel." 
And  I  believe  in  this  instance  He  was  pleased  to 
hear  my  prayer. 

J.  C.  B.  lent  us  the  ''Life  of  Goldsmith,"  by 
Washington  Irving,  and  I  commenced  reading  it  to 
H.  C.  B.,  as  she  liked,  beside  the  Bible,  to  have  some 
book  on  hand,  and  this  we  thought  might  serve  to 
entertain  her.  But  we  soon  found  that  it  was  any- 
thing but  satisfactory,  and  were  glad  to  substitute 
the  "  Life  of  Rebecca  Jones,"  in  which  she  became 
deeply  interested.  She  did  not,  however,  like  to 
give-  up  "  Goldsmith"  entirely,  and  we  continued  to 


ELIZA  P.  GURA'EY. 

read  a  very  small  portion  ever\'  da\'  until  we  finished 
the  volume.  The  account  of  his  last  days  evidently 
affected  her,  and  I  shall  not  soon,  I  believe,  forget 
either  the  serious  expression  of  her  countenance  or 
the  emphatic  manner  with  which  she  repeated  his 
last  words,  "  I  feel  uneasy  !"  "  Oh,"  she  said,  "  what 
a  life  and  what  a  death  !  That  word  '  uneasy,'  what 
does  it  convey  ?  Not  only  the  suffering  of  the  body, 
but  a  mind  ill  at  ease  at  such  an  hour  !"  I  do  not 
remember  hearing  her  speak  with  so  much  energy 
on  any  occasion,  and  again  and  again  she  remarked, 
"  What  an  unsatisfactory  life  was  that  poor  man's  !" 
It  seemed  like  trying  it  in  the  balance  of  the  sanc- 
tuary on  the  verge  of  eternity,  and  when  the  life  of 
pleasure  was  so  tried  it  was  indeed  found  sorrowfully 
wanting.  In  the  unpretending  history  of  the  labors 
and  sacrifices  of  Rebecca  Jones  her  spirit  seemed 
always  to  find  both  refreshment  and  repose. 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Grove,  Second  mo.  nth,  1850. 
Chenda  thinks  my  sister,  Catherine  Gurney,  is  very 
much  coming  round  about  my  going  to  America, 
and  that  they  are  all  resolved  to  look  on  the  bright 
side  and  regard  it  only  as  a  temporary  separation, 
fully  expecting  to  see  me  again  next  year,  if  life  is 
granted.    Thou  must  follow  their  example,  should 

17 


1 94      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

it  really  seem  best  for  me  to  go.  But  at  present 
"  my  eyes  are  holden"  and  my  faith  a  little  tried, 
the  time  for  decision  seems  drawing  so  near,  and 
there  are  so  many  arrangements  that  will  have  to  be 
made  about  house  and  servants  and  horses  and 
everything.  Yet  I  do  trust  I  may  be  preserved  from 
any  undue  anxiety,  which  has  so  far  been  remark- 
ably the  case  ;  and  a  little  faith  is  given  me  that 
light  will  arise  from  obscurity,  and  my  darkness  be- 
come as  the  noonday.  Thou  wilt  not  be  surprised, 
however,  that  I  feel  the  responsibflity  of  the  whole 
thing ;  and  then  I  am  so  wonderfully  left  to  my  own 
devices  as  regards  any  human  aid.  Certainly  it 
would  not  always  be  a  comfort  to  me  to  believe  that 
those  tenderly  beloved  ones  who  are  taken  from  us 
are  cognizant  of  what  is  passing  in  their  earthly 
homes.  I  should  be  quite  beset  with  the  notion 
that  some  of  my  hours  of  untold  loneliness  would 
cause  disquiet  and  discomfort  even  there.  One 
scarcely  knows  what  to  wish  about  it,  for,  oh  !  the 
anguish  which  those  words  have  given  me  :  "  His 
breath  goeth  forth  ;  he  returneth  to  his  earth  ;  in  that 
very  day  his  thoughts  perish."  Also  their  love 
and  their  hatred  is  now  perished,  neither  have  they 
any  more  a  portion  in  anything  that  is  done  under 
the  sun."  Oh,  how  these  things  have  saddened  my 
solitary  heart !    But  there  is  one  thing  I  will  believe 


ELIZA  P.  GURXEY.  Iq5 

in,  and  that  is  recognition  in  a  future  state.  What  it 
would  be  to  be  welcomed  into  those  joys  which  eye 
hath  not  seen  nor  ear  heard,  by  some  of  those  re- 
deemed ones  whom  we  have  dearly  loved !  I  have 
quite  enjoyed  "  Dr.  Gordon's  Life,"  which  I  got  on 
thy  recommendation.  His  thoughts  of  death  and 
heaven  were  so  delightful.  Surely,  if  we  lived 
nearer  to  the  Source  of  light,  we  should  have  more 
frequent  glimpses  of  the  better  land.  The  apostle 
says,  "  Ye  are  come  unto  Mount  Zion,  and  to  the 
city  of  the  living  God,  the  New  Jerusalem,  to  an 
innumerable  company  of  angels,  and  to  the  spirits 
of  just  men  made  perfect."  Then  why  should  we 
not  hold  communion  with  them  and  realize  their 
joy  and  blessedness  ?  Why  should  we  not,  like 
Stephen,  see  the  heavens  opened,  and  Jesus  standing 
on  the  right  hand  of  the  throne  of  God  ?  Is  it  not 
because  we  do  not  walk  in  the  Spirit  as  Stephen  did  ? 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  C.  B. 

Grove,  Third  mo.  3d,  1850. 

I  begin  to  long  to  see  thee,  dearest  mamma,  and 
the  thought  of  it  in  meeting  this  afternoon  was  ac- 
companied with  a  feeling  of  true  sweetness,  and  an 
earnest  desire  that  we  might  know  yet  more  of  a 
living  spiritual  union  ;  so  that,  whether  we  are  per- 
mitted to  spend  many  of  our  remaining  days  to- 


iq6    memoir  and  correspondence  of 

gether,  or  whether  the  broad  Atlantic  shall  roll 
between  us,  we  may  indeed  be  each  other's  joy  in 
the  Lord.  After  a  season  of  rather  unusual  lowness, 
in  which  I  think  I  have  known  something  of  being 
baptized  into  the  cloud  and  into  the  sea,"  partly, 
perhaps,  from  being  left  so  solitary,  this  has  been  a 
day  of  arising,  wherein  the  new  song  has  been  put 
into  my  mouth,  even  praises  unto  our  God.  Indeed, 
so  precious  has  been  the  sense  of  His  love  and 
power,  that  I  thought,  as  I  sat  in  profound  quietness 
this  afternoon,  that  if  only  a  small  portion  of  the 
peace  which  has  filled  my  heart  this  day  were  gra- 
ciously vouchsafed  to  me  during  the  remainder  of 
my  pilgrimage,  it  would  be  of  little  consequence 
whether  it  was  spent  in  England  or  America. 

"  Could  I  be  cast  where  Thou  art  not, 
•    That  were  indeed  a  dreadful  lot ; 
But  if,  O  God  !  Thou  guid'st  my  way, 
'Tis  equal  joy  to  go  or  stay." 

This,  I  believe,  is  the  sincere  breathing  of  my 
heart,  so  thou  need  not  be  afraid  to  trust-  me ;  for 
thou  knowest,  as  well  as  I  do,  that  I  can  be  no 
comfort  to  anybody  out  of  my  right  allotment,  and, 
setting  aside  all  natural  inclination  and  affectionate 
bias,  I  shall  depend  upon  thy  helping  me  to  ascertain 
what  my  duty  is. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  igy 

Dear  Susanna  Corder  is  very  much  set  against  my 
leaving  England,  and  says  that,  because  I  do  not  see 
clear  light  upon  going,  it  is  evident  that  it  is  not 
right  for  me  to  leave;  but,  on  the  other  hand,  I  see 
less  light  upon  remaining  here.  So  what  hath  he  to 
do  "  that  walketh  in  darkness,"  but  "  trust  in  the 
Lord  and  stay  upon  his  God"  ? 

Then,  with  regard  to  what  thou  sayst  about  the 
Society  troubles  in  America,  I  can  truly  say  they  do 
not  at  all  disturb  me,  except  to  make  me  feel  the 
desirableness  of  being  rightly  guided.  It  is  my  full 
intention  to  go  knowing  nothing,  and  "  owing  no 
man  anything  but  to  love  one  another." 

"  Why  should  we  differ  by  the  way? 
Why  should  dissensions  come  ? 
We  hope  to  spend  an  endless  day 
In  one  eternal  home." 

.  .  .  And  I  have  so  enjoyed  dear  Edward  Pease's 
account  of  thee,  especially  of  thy  "  peaceful  coun- 
tenance and  bright  and  acceptable  communications" 
in  meeting,  of  which  he  has  often  spoken.  So  pray 
go  on  in  faith,  and  never  mind  a  few  wandering 
thoughts.  I  wonder  if  there  ever  was  that  being 
who  was  not  troubled  with  them,  since  the  days  of 
him  who  said,  "  That  which  I  would  I  do  not." 
How  sweet  to  remember  Him  who  is  touched  with 

a  feeling  of  our  infirmities!" 

17* 


igS       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

On  the  6th  of  Fifth  mo.,  1850,  occurred  the  death 
of  E.  P.  G.'s  long-tried  and  honored  friend,  H.  C. 
Backhouse, — a  mother  in  Israel,  loved  and  venerated 
alike  for  her  works'  sake,  the  charm  of  her  society, 
and  for  her  kindly  and  affectionate  nature.  Ever 
since  their  first  association  in  America,  the  intimate 
relations  then  established  between  them  had  deep- 
ened and  strengthened  with  their  constant  inter- 
course ;  and  the  maternal  and  filial  regard  mutually 
entertained,  as  years  passed  on,  had  grown  into  the 
closest  Christian  love  and  friendship,  and  the  shock 
of  parting  was  correspondingly  severe.  E.  P.  G.'s 
friends  were  abundant  in  their  expressions  of  sym- 
pathy under  this  new  trial. 

Susanna  Corder  to  E.  P.  Gurney. 

Fifth  mo.  7th,  1850. 

.  .  .  The  sympathy  which  I  feel  with  thee,  dearest 
Eliza,  cannot  be  expressed  by  me,  but  I  feel  assured 
thou  wilt  be  strengthened  and  consoled  by  thy 
gracious  Master,  and  that  thou  wilt  be  enabled  to 
pursue  the  same  path  of  perfect  dedication  which 
she  so  nobly  and  faithfully  walked  in,  in  which  the 
dearest  ties  of  nature  never  held  her  back  from  fol- 
lowing her  Lord,  and  from  laboring  in  His  glorious 
cause  of  truth.  Neither  death  nor  life,  neither  spirits 
nor  powers,  nor  any  other  created  thing,  could 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  jgg 

hinder  her  work  of  faith  ;  and  now  surely  her  mantle, 
which  often  has  covered  thee,  is  henceforth  to  rest 
upon  thee  continually,  and  He  who  hath  specially 
chosen  thee,  designs  to  be  perfectly  thy  all  in  all,  to 
His  praise  and  glory. 

From  E.  P.  G.'s  Journal. 

Elisha  Bates  and  Nathan  Hunt  addressed  us  very 
strikingly  soon  after  we  were  banded  together  in 
America,  comparing  our  companionship  to  that  of 
Elijah  and  Elisha,  and  predicting  that  if  I  were  with 
her  at  the  close  her  mantle  would  descend  upon  me. 
So,  I  suppose,  as  I  was  not  with  her,  it  is  to  descend 
upon  dear  Jane,  who  is  far  more  worthy  to  receive  it 
in  every  way.  How  oft&n  did  her  precious  mother 
remind  me  of  the  prediction,  saying  she  felt  satisfied 
I  would  one  day  come  to  England,  if  only  to  fulfil  it. 
Oh,  if  a  little  portion  of  her  loving,  dedicated  spirit 
might  but  rest  upon  me  ! 

Just  as  I  was  leaving  her  she  drew  me  to  her  very 
affectionately,  and  said,  with  emphasis,  "  Farewell, 
my  darling  !  the  God  of  Peace  go  with  thee,  bless 
thee,  and  prosper  thee  in  all  thy  ways,  and  abund- 
antly qualify  thee  for  every  Vork  and  service  into 
which  He  may  be  pleased  to  call  thee."  So  be  it, 
saith  my  soul. 


200      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


During  a  family  gathering  at  Darlington,  soon 
after  the  decease  of  H.  C.  Backhouse,  E,  P.  Gurney 
was  addressed  in  a  striking  manner  by  her  friend 
and  relative,  John  Hodgkin.  The  following  outline 
of  his  remarks  was  taken  down  from  memory  : 

During  the  time  of  our  being  thrown  so  interest- 
ingly together,  my  dear  sister-cousin,  on  an  occasion 
very  solemn  to  us  both,  my  spirit  has  been  united  to 
thine  in  bonds  of  a  spiritual  relationship  which  is 
closer  than  any  natural  tie.  I  have  felt  that  this 
awful  stroke  has  made  thee  (who  hast  been  once  "  a 
widow  indeed")  twice  an  orphan,  and  have  believed 
that  in  the  desolation  of  thy  feelings  thou  mayst  be 
ready  to  conclude  thou  hast  seen  an  end  of  all  perfec- 
tion, and  that  there  is  nothing  now  worth  living  for. 
But  how  strongly  have  I  felt  amid  all  this  desola- 
tion that  the  Eternal  God  has  been  thy  refuge,  and 
underneath  thee  are  the  everlasting  arms  !  While, 
like  the  prophet  of  old,  thou  hast  beheld  the  com- 
panion whom  thou  hast  so  dearly  loved,  and  to 
whom  thou  wast  united  by  no  common  tie,  ascend 
as  it  were  to  the  very  gates  of  heaven,  may  we  not 
believe  a  portion  of  her  spirit  has  descended  upon 
thee  ?  Truly,  my  beloved  cousin,  thou  hast  known 
many  and  deep  baptisms  of  flesh  and  spirit,  baptisms 
into  the  cloud  and  into  the  sea.  Yea,  hast  thou  not 
known  something  of  what  it  is  to  be  baptized  for 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


201 


the  dead  ?  And  all  these  fiery  baptisms  have  been 
doing  their  office  in  purifying  and  cleansing  and  pre- 
paring thee  for  a  yet  fuller  development,  a  yet  larger 
exercise  of  thy  various  natural  and  spiritual  gifts. 

When  our  blessed  Lord  was  about  to  reascend 
into  heaven,  His  command  to  His  chosen  disciples 
was,  "  Go  ye  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing  them 
in  the  name  of  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the  Holy 
Ghost ;  and,  lo !  I  am  with  you  alway,  even  unto  the 
end  of  the  world,"  Now,  my  dear  sister,  in  looking 
forward  to  the  change  of  allotment  that  may  prob- 
ably be  awaiting  thee,  this  command  has  afresh  re- 
vived in  my  mind ;  and  in  entering  a  little  into  the 
probable  conflicts  and  trials  which  may  be  thy  por- 
tion, I  have  been  encouraged  and  comforted  on  thy 
behalf  in  remembering  the  gracious  assurance  which 
followed,  addressed  to  them  that  believe :  "  In  my 
name  ye  shall  cast  out  devils,  and  speak  with  new 
tongues.  Ye  shall  take  up  serpents,  and  if  ye  drink 
any  deadly  thing,  it  shall  not  hurt  you.  Ye  shall 
lay  hands  on  the  sick,  and  they  shall  recover."  I 
have  been  given  to  believe  that  thou,  my  dear 
cousin,  wouldst  realize  something  of  this  in  thy  ex- 
perience;  that,  dwelling  in  the  secret  of  His  pavilion, 
thou  wouldst  be  kept  from  the  strife  of  tongues  ; 
that,  even  though  thou  shouldst  tread  upon  what 
might  be  comparable  to  deadly  serpents,  they  would 


202       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


not  be  permitted  to  hurt  thee ;  yea,  that,  in  the  power 
of  thy  Lord,  thou  shouldst  even  be  enabled  to  lay 
hands  on  the  spiritually  sick,  and  they  should  re- 
cover; for  the  anointing  oil  would  be  so  poured  upon 
thy  head  as  to  descend  upon  the  troubled  waters 
and  cause  a  blessed  calm.  Therefore  I  would  have 
thee  be  bf  good  courage,  for  I  do  assuredly  believe 
thy  shoes  shall  be  iron  and  brass,  and  "  as  thy  day  is 
so  shall  thy  strength  be." 

E.  Barclay  adds,  in  connection  with  the  fore- 
going,— 

.  .  .  Then  dear  cousin  E.  P.  G.  said,  very  sweetly, 
"  Eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear  heard,  neither  hath  it 
entered  into  the  heart  of  man  to  conceive  the  good 
things  the  Lord  hath  in  store  for  them  that  love 
Him."  But  God  hath  revealed  them  unto  us  by  His 
spirit.  Have  we  not,  my  beloved  friends,  at  this 
solemn  hour  known  something  of  the  revealing  of 
the  good  things  of  the  kingdom  ?  Have  we  not,  in 
the  tender  mercy  of  the  Lord,  had  some  fresh  sense 
given  us  of  the  glorious  realities  of  the  inheritance  of 
the  saints  in  light, — a  little  glimpse  as  it  were  within 
the  veil  ?  Have  we  not  almost  heard  the  sound  of 
the  redeemed  ones  returning  to  Zion,  with  songs  and 
everlasting  joy  upon  their  heads  ?  And  has  not  the 
acknowledgment  been  raised  in  some  of  our  hearts, 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  203 

"  Verily  there  is  a  reward  for  the  righteous ;  verily 
there  is  a  God  who  judgeth  in  the  earth"? 

The  loosening  of  so  many  ties  which  had  hitherto 
bound  her  to  her  English  home  had  for  some  time 
past,  as  has  been  seen,  permitted  E.  P.  Gurney  seri- 
ously to  entertain  the  thought  of  a  return  to  her 
native  land,  at  least  for  a  time.  She  wrote  to  Mary 
Anna  Longstreth,  Sixth  mo.  17th,  1850: 

My  way  seems  now  remarkably  opening  for  a 
return  to  my  own  land,  at  least  for  a  season,  and  it 
was  deeply  impressed  upon  my  mind  that  this  would 
be  the  case  some  months  ago,  even  when  dearest 
H.  C.  B.  was  well  as  usual,  though  I  never  could 
believe  it  would  be  right  for  me  to  leave  her,  and  my 
sister  Catherine  was  strongly  opposed  to  my  going 
while  sJie  lived.  Now  the  former  is  gathered  home 
to  her  heavenly  inheritance,  and  the  latter  is  so  far 
on  her  journey  as  to  be  wholly  weaned  from  all 
earthly  things,  and  I  have  already  taken  my  leave  of 
her,  never  expecting  to  see  her  again  in  mutability. 
Thou  wilt  easily  believe,  my  beloved  Marianna,  that 
all  this  has  not  been  passed  through  without  much 
deep  suffering;  but  it  is  my  earnest  desire  to  be 
more  and  more  enabled  to  leave  the  things  that  are 
behind,  and  to  press  forward  with  renewed  diligence 
toward  the  mark,  looking  solely  unto  Jesus,  the 


204      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

Author  and  Finisher  of  our  faith.  It  is  no  light  thing 
to  me  to  think  of  returning  to  Philadelphia  again, 
and  I  have  always  felt  that  I  could  not  do  it  in  my 
own  way  and  time;  but  "simply  follow  as  I  lead" 
is  the  command  that  seems  to  be  given  me,  and  in 
endeavoring  to  do  so,  whatever  my  outward  allot- 
ment may  be,  I  feel  a  sweet  and  consoling  assurance 
that  my  mind  will  be  kept  in  peace. 

This  has  hitherto  been  strikingly  the  case  in  the 
midst  of  many  tribulations,  and  why  should  I  doubt 
it  now?  May  I  be  gifted  with  a  double  portion  of 
''that  wisdom  which,  by  reason  of  its  purity,  pass- 
eth  through  all  things,"  giving  no  offence  to  any, 
"  neither  to  the  Jew,  nor  to  the  Gentile,  nor  to  the 
Church  of  God."  "  Owing  no  man  anything,  but  to 
love  one  another."  This,  I  can  truly  say,  is  the 
unfeigned  prayer  of  my  heart,  and  I  hun^.bly  and 
reverently  trust  that  He  who  searcheth  the  heart 
will  hear  and  answer  it. 

Lady  H.  Buxton  to  E.  P.  Gurney. 

Seventh  mo.  17th,  1850. 

...  I  do  feel  thou  hast  been  most  faithful,  gen- 
erous, sympathizing,  and  helpful  to  us  all,  and  we 
have  loved  thee  as  a  dear  sister,  an  immense  bless- 
ing and  gift  to  our  darling  brother,  and  a  comfort  to 
us  all.    I  trust  thou  wilt  leave  thy  dear  home  and 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  20$ 

this  country  for  a  season,  with  deep  hopefulness  that 
the  grace  of  God  has  so  abounded  as  to  have  enabled 
thee  to  do  His  will  amongst  us,  to  glorify  His  grace 
and  His  name,  and  to  be  made  a  remarkable  bless- 
ing, not  to  our  dearest  Joseph  only,  but  to  us  and 
to  a  large  circle.  I  cannot  say,  dearest  Eliza,  how 
deeply  I  feel  this.  Thou  hast  been  truly  a  blessing 
to  us,  a  comfort,  an  encouragement,  a  minister  of  the 
Gospel,  and  a  distributer  of  good  things,  spiritual 
and  temporal.  With  tears  I  feel  what  thou  hast 
been,  with  gratitude  that  we  have  had  thee,  my 
love,  and  now  I  feel  that  thy  duty  lies  with  thy 
own  land  and  thy  own  people,  and  for  a  season  we 
are  willing  to  give  thee  up,  though  we  feel  what  the 
giving  up  is. 

E.  P.  Gurney's  prospect  of  leaving  England  rapidly 
matured,  and  her  preparations  were  made  for  an -early 
departure  ;  her  niece,  H.  H.  Kirkbride,  accompany- 
ing her. 

E.  P.  G.  to  J.  K.  Clarke. 

Seventh  mo.  17th,  1 850. 

.  .  .  We  expect  to  leave  the  Grove  on  Seventh 

day  week,  spend  a  few  days  at  Upton,  and  go  on 

board  the  "  Niagara"  on  the  3d  of  Eighth  mo.,  a 

little  more  than  two  weeks  from  this  time.    I  can 

scarcely  believe  what  I  write,  it  seems  so  incredible. 

18 


2o6      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

Pray  do  not  be  anxious  about  us.  We  have  no  fear 
of  the  sea,  and  shall  very  likely  have  a  smooth  and 
pleasant  voyage.  I  am  sure  thou  wilt  be  glad  to 
hear  that  there  is  not  the  shadow  of  a  cloud  in  the 
way,  but  all  looks  bright  before  me,  though,  of 
course,  I  truly  feel  the  prospect  of  returning  to 
America,  as  well  as  the  thought  of  leaving  many 
tenderly  loved  ones  here,  to  some  of  whom  our 
preparation  for  departure  has  given  more  pain  than 
I  anticipated. 

On  the  eve  of  her  embarkation  a  number  of  her 
friends  assembled  at  Liverpool  to  bid  farewell  to 
one  who  had  become  so  closely  united  to  them,  and 
her  honored  friend,  William  Forster,  addressed  her 
most  impressively.  The  following  brief  sketch  of 
his  remarks  has  been  preserved  : 

"  Great  peace  have  they  that  love  Thy  law,  and 
nothing  shall  offend  them."  Although  I  cannot 
always  appropriate  this  promise  to  myself,  yet  I  think 
I  have  been  enabled  to  rejoice  in  it  on  thy  account, 
my  dearly  beloved  sister,  believing  that  thou  art  one 
of  those  who  do  indeed  love  the  law  of  the  Lord, 
and  that  thou  hast  been  faithfully  endeavoring,  since 
thou  hast  been  called  from  thy  kindred  and  thy 
native  country,  to  yield  obedience  to  its  manifested 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  207 

requirings,  in  doing  which  thou  hast  known  the 
blessed  promise  abundantly  verified.  Great  peace 
has  been  thy  portion,  and  nothing  has  been  able  to 
offend  thee.  And  I  have  felt  comforted  in  the  per- 
suasion that,  in  following  the  leadings  of  thy  Lord 
and  Master,  who  is  now  taking  thee  from  us  for  a 
season,  thou  wilt  continue  to  witness  the  fulfilment 
of  this  gracious  assurance;  so  that  whatever  trials 
may  be  permitted  to  assail  thee,  the  angel  of  His 
presence  shall  encamp  round  about  thee  and  nothing 
be  permitted  to  offend. 

The  memory  of  the  just  is  blessed  and  will  not 
decay.  Very  precious  has  been  the  remembrance  of 
our  tenderly  beloved  departed  brother  since  we  have 
been  assembled  together  on  this  very  interesting  and 
to  me  deeply  affecting  occasion  ;  for  I  feel  that  I  am 
parting  with  a  precious  sister, — a  sister  in  the  un- 
changeable truth,  a  sister  dearly  beloved  in  the  Lord. 
Ah,  I  believe  our  dear  departed  brother  has  been 
very  near  to  many  of  us  at  this  time,  and  I  have 
rejoiced  in  thinking  how  thy  various  steppings  since 
thou  wast  written  *'  widow  and  desolate"  would  have 
been  approved  by  him,  how  entirely  he  would  now 
sanction  this  step;  so  that,  in  a  little  fresh  faith  and 
confidence,  I  can  bid  thee  go  forward  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord,  believing  assuredly  that  He  will  never 
leave  thee  nor  forsake  thee  ;  for  He  has  promised 


2o8      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

(and  His  promises  are  yea  and  amen  forever)  that 
He  will  be  with  His  children  always,  even  unto  the 
end  of  the  world.  Yea,  and  I  believe  He  will  again 
and  again  put  the  new  song  into  thy  mouth,  even 
praises  unto  His  great  and  ever-excellent  name. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Soon  after  E.  P.  Gurney's  arrival  in  America  she 
settled  at  West  Hill,  a  retired  and  commodious 
mansion  beautifully  situated  about  two  miles  from 
Burlington,  New  Jersey,  originally  occupied  by 
Samuel  Emlen,  and  latterly  the  home  of  Susanna  R. 
Smith,  an  esteemed  minister  of  Burlington  meeting. 
Her  household  arrangements  were  peculiarly  happy 
and  congenial.  Her  widowed  sisters,  Mary  Ann 
Williams  and  Julia  K.  Clarke,  were  both  with  her; 
the  former  under  her  roof,  the  latter  occupying  a 
pleasant  cottage  near  at  hand.  She  delighted  in  the 
cheerful  society  of  her  younger  relatives,  some  of 
whom  were  constantly  gathered  about  her  in  the 
mutual  exchange  of  kindly  service.  In  the  im- 
mediate neighborhood  resided  several  families  of  her 
intimate  friends,  with  whom  she  maintained  daily 
intercourse.  Prominent  among  these  were  Harrison 
Alderson,  a  valuable  minister.  Dr.  Joseph  W.  Tay- 
lor, his  sister  Hannah  and  his  brothers  Abram  M. 
and  James  Taylor,  and  Susanna  R.  Smith  (above 

mentioned),  with  their  families. 

i8* 


2IO      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


The  atmosphere  of  the  place  was  rich  with  spirit- 
ual graces  and  intellectual  culture,  and  the  house- 
hold grew  year  by  year  more  attractive  and  beautiful. 
Those  who  were  favored  with  access  to  its  inner  life 
can  never  forget  the  elegant  simplicity  of  the  ample 
parlors,  devoid  of  useless  ornament,  but  supplied 
with  all  the  appliances  for  restful  ease  or  profitable 
study, — the  capacious  chair  from  which  the  mistress 
of  the  mansion  presided  over  her  domain  with 
courtly  grace ;  the  store  of  books,  always  ready  to 
be  handed  with  wise  selection  to  casual  guests  ;  the 
hospitable  dining-room,  the  scene  of  so  many  cheer- 
ful and  memorable  gatherings ;  and  the  literary 
treasures  piled  upon  the  shelves  of  the  library. 

To  the  members  of  her  own  religious  society  the 
house  was  especially  a  centre  of  attraction.  Ministers 
from  distant  parts  of  the  country  received  freely  of 
her  wise  counsels  and  ready  sympathy,  as  well  as 
substantial  aid  in  large  measure  ;  and  the  young 
people  delighted  in  her  sprightly  and  instructive 
converse  and  unaffected  interest  in  all  their  affairs. 

In  reference  to  a  few  of  her  friends  more  remotely 
situated,  it  may  be  allowed  to  quote  from  an  inter- 
esting notice  by  J.  B.  Braithwaite,  published  in  the 
"Annual  Monitor,"  England: 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


211 


"  At  Philadelphia,  also,  there  was  a  large  circle 
with  whom  E.  P.  Gurney  continued  to  maintain  de- 
lightful Christian  intercourse.  There  was  Israel  W. 
Morris,  the  aged  veteran  of  Green  Hill  Farm,  near 
Philadelphia,  whose  recollection  reached  back  to  the 
times  of  Washington,  if  not  also  to  those  of  the 
Revolutionary  war ;  who  in  younger  and  middle 
life  was,  like  Dr.  Taylor,  a  devoted  companion  and 
helper  to  the  Lord's  messengers,  and  remained  to  the 
last  an  upright  pillar  in  the  Church,  whose  memory 
is  precious  to  those  who  knew  him.  With  him  may 
be  associated  three  others,  all  remarkable  men,  pre- 
senting in  their  somewhat  differing  characteristics 
varied  aspects  of  the  same  precious  truth  which  they 
equally  loved, — Thomas  Evans,  a  member  of  a  well- 
known  and  influential  family,  the  compiler  of  the 
"  Exposition  of  the  Faith  of  the  Society  of  Friends." 
and  one  of  the  editors  of  the  "  Friends'  Library," 
whose  mind,  disciplined  in  the  school  of  Christ,  and 
enriched  by  varied  reading  and  culture,  was  a  treas- 
ure of  Christian  wisdom  and  experience  ;  Samuel 
Bettle  (whose  father  had  been  the  able  clerk  to 
Philadelphia  Yearly  Meeting  during  the  trials  of  the 
separation),  in  whom  the  calm  dignity  of  the  Christian 
minister  was  beautifully  combined  with  the  clothing 
of  humility  and  a  sympathy  inexpressibly  tender  ; 
and  Charles  Yarnall,  a  wise  and  faithful  elder,  dis- 


212      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

tinguished  for  sound  and  enlightened  judgment,  and 
a  mind  of  varied  culture  seasoned  with  grace.  Nor 
must  his  beloved  sister,  Amy  Y.  Tatum,  also  an 
elder,  or  John  M.  and  Mary  Whitall  be  forgotten 
in  this  little  sketch  (brief  and  imperfect  as  it  must 
necessarily  be),  all  overflowing  with  love,  impressed 
with  the  King's  image,  and  ready  to  be  spent  in  His 
service.  Such,  amongst  many  others  that  might  be 
named,  were  the  friends  amongst  whom  E.  P.  Gurney 
felt  it  a  privilege  to  pass  the  evening  of  her  day,  and 
whom  it  was  her  lot  to  survive." 

A  warm  welcome  was  extended  to  her  on  her 
settlement  by  tongue  and  pen.  A  few  examples 
follow : 

Hannah  B.  Mott  to  E.  P.  G. 

Second  mo.  ist,  1851. 

My  dear  Friend, — It  has  been  so  much  on  my 
mind  for  some  days  past  to  convey  to  thee  an  ex- 
pression of  my  most  sincere  pleasure  on  hearing  of 
thy  conclusion  to  dwell  among  us,  that  I  will  yield 
to  the  feeling  and  thus  give  thee  my  cordial  wel- 
come. I  have  no  doubt  the  subject  has  weighed 
much  upon  thy  mind,  and  I  rejoice  in  thy  decision, 
at  the  same  time  that  I  hope  I  am  able  to  enter  into 
sympathy  with  thee  at  the  prospect  of  entering  upon 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  213 

thy  new  abode.  Many  contrasts  and  sad  remem- 
brances will  pour  upon  thy  heart;  but  remember, 
dear  Eliza,  that  the  gardener,  in  removing  some  of 
his  choicest  plants,  carefully  seeks  to  place  them  in 
a  poorer  soil,  covers  them  from  the  heat  and  shades 
them  from  the  light,  until  the  tender  roots  have  time 
to  feel  that  they  are  at  rest,  and  gradually  expand 
and  grow  under  the  fostering  care  of  one  skilled  in 
rearing  them,  one  who  knows  just  where  to  place 
them  in  a  situation  to  flourish  and  spread  abroad 
their  fragrance  and  beauty.  So,  in  time,  my  dear 
friend,  I  hope  not  only  to  see  West  Hill  rejoicing 
under  thy  tasteful  care  and  blossoming  as  the  rose, 
but  that  thou  also,  as  the  dispenser  of  much  comfort 
and  happiness  to  those  around  thee,  wilt  find  a  sweet 
reward  in  thy  own  bosom,  verifying  the  language 
of  the  poetical  Jeremiah:  "  Seek  ye  the  peace  of  the 
city  whither  I  have  caused  you  to  be  carried  away 
captive,  and  pray  unto  the  Lord  for  it,  for  in  the 
peace  thereof  shall  ye  have  peace." 

E.  P.  G.  to  Susanna  Corder. 

West  Hill,  Ninth  mo.  3d,  1851. 
.  .  .  Now  I  am  settled  in  my  Jersey  home,  I  have 
quite  a  longing  to  see  some  of  your  familiar  faces, 
and  think  you  cannot  leave  it  long  before  you  come. 
How  thou  wouldst  enjoy  mingling  with  dear  Stephen 


214      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

Grellet  and  his  wife,  Richard  Mott  and  his  daughter, 
the  AHinsons,  Susan  R.  Smith,  etc.  !  I  do  not  think 
there  is  such  a  circle  of  friends  to  be  found  anywhere, 
— so  much  refinement  and  true  Christian  charity. 
But  death  is  making  gradual  inroads  into  it,  and  in  a 
few  years  more  it  probably  will  be  greatly  changed. 
Already  two  of  its  brightest  ornaments  are  gone, — 
Richard  Mott's  wife,  a  truly  dignified  and  upright 
pillar  in  the  Church,  within  the  last  two  months, 
and  dear  Abigail  Barker,  while  I  was  in  England. 
So  do  not  leave  it  long,  or  thou  wilt  never  know 
from  actual  observation  what  a  sweet  band  of  Chris- 
tians we  have  had  amongst  us.  I  cannot  tell  thee 
what  a  help  and  comfort  dear  Stephen  Grellet  has 
been  to  me  since  coming  here, — a  father  in  the  truth 
I  may  well  call  him.  His  spirit  is  so  sweet  and 
heavenly  we  cannot  hope  to  keep  him  long  amongst 
us,  though  he  is  now  apparently  recovering  from  a 
fearful  illness  which  brought  him  very  low.  I  think 
I  must  give  thee  an  outline  of  a  precious  sermon  he 
addressed  to  me  a  few  weeks  since,  which  I  took 
down  directly  afterward  in  my  private  journal.  He 
seemed  very  anxious  to  see  me  in  my  new  home, 
and,  though  scarcely  equal  to  the  effort,  not  having 
taken  so  long  a  drive  for  several  years,  he  came  one 
morning  early,  accompanied  by  his  precious  wife, 
who  is  scarcely  less  of  a  saint  than  himself.  (Have 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  21$ 

we  not  good  Scripture  authority  for  calling  the  right- 
eous so  ?)  I  felt  it  a  privilege  to  have  them  under 
my  roof,  and,  after  we  had  conversed  a  little  together 
I  took  dear  Rebecca  over  the  house  to  show  her  the 
alterations  and  improvements.  When  we  returned 
we  found  her  venerable  husband,  who  truly  looks 
like  an  apostle,  reclining  in  a  large  arm-chair,  his 
face  illuminated  with  the  anointing  oil,  so  that  it 
fairly  shone  like  Stephen's.  He  beckoned  us  to  be 
seated,  and  a  covering  of  solemnity  came  over  us  at 
once  such  as  I  rarely  remember  to  have  witnessed. 
After  a  little  time  the  dear  old  man  broke  forth  in 
nearly  the  following  words,  or  at  least  this  is  a  cor- 
rect outline  of  his  striking  sermon  :  '  Thy  prayers 
and  thine  alms  are  come  up  for  a  memorial  before 
God.'  While  thou  hast  been  so  kindly  engaged,  my 
beloved  sister,  in  showing  my  wife  the  alterations  and 
improvements  in  the  accommodation  of  thy  outward 
dwelling-place,  thy  external  habitation,  my  mind  has 
been  occupied  in  following  thee,  as  it  were,  into  the 
inner  temple,  the  temple  of  the  heart,  where  I  have 
seen  the  rod  that  budded,  and  the  precious  offerings, 
and  the  sweet  incense  ascending.  Yes,  I  was  wander- 
ing, whilst  thou  wast  absent,  into  thy  little  sanctuary, 
where  thou  hadst  just  been  pouring  out  thy  prayers 
and  supplications  to  the  Lord,  renewing  thy  cove- 
nant with  Him,  and  the  odor  of  the  ointment  filled 


2i6      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


the  room.  Ah,  my  endeared  sister,  it  has  been  given 
me  to  see  in  my  inward  vision,  while  I  have  been 
silently  musing  in  this  thy  pleasant  earthly  abode, 
that  the  offerings  and  the  sacrifices  which  thou  hast 
made  in  that  little  sanctuary,  when  no  human  eye 
saw  thee,  had  indeed  ascended  as  sweet  incense 
before  the  Lord,  and  were  accepted  of  Him.  Then 
is  not  this  cause  for  encouragement  to  continue  to 
put  thy  whole  trust  in  Him  ?  Has  He  not  been 
with  thee  all  thy  life  long,  guiding  thee  by  His 
counsel,  and  remarkably  sustaining  thee  by  His  spirit 
in  times  of  deep  trial  and  sore  adversity?  and  has 
He  not  promised  that  He  will  be  with  His  own  always, 
even  unto  the  end  of  the  world  ?  Then  lift  up  thy 
head  in  hope,  my  endeared  sister.  He  who  has  been 
with  thee  in  six  troubles  will  not  forsake  thee  in  the 
seventh.  He  will  continue  to  pour  forth  of  His 
anointing  oil  upon  thee,  and  qualify  thee  for  His 
own  work  and  service  more  and  more ;  yea,  thou 
shalt  be  as  a  fruitful  field,  the  smell  whereof  shall 
be  known  afar  off,"  etc. 

This  is  the  merest  skeleton  of  a  deeply-interesting 
sermon.  I  feel  it  wants  all  the  bones  and  sinews  to 
make  it  complete,  but  I  know  it  will  interest  thee 
and  dear  Jane  Fox.  I  think  thou  hadst  better  not 
show  this  to  any  one  else  :  it  might  convey  a  very 
wrong  impression  of  my  real  condition,  which  has 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  217 

often  been  one  of  great  discouragement  and  deep 
poverty  since  my  return  to  my  native  land. 

Rebecca  W.  Allinson  to  E.  P.  G. 

Second  mo.  21st,  1851. 

My  dear  Friend, — I  hope  it  may  not  seem  in- 
trusive if  I  offer,  in  a  few  words,  the  welcome  which 
awaits  thy  coming  to  our  little  city,  as  one  with 
whom  we  may  take  sweet  counsel,  and  go  up  to  the 
house  of  God  in  company.  Our  family  are  all  pre- 
pared to  rejoice  that  thou  hast  found  permission  to 
dwell  amongst  us  ;  and  we  trust,  though  thy  spirit 
may  often  yearn  for  communion  with  distant  dear 
ones,  thou  wilt  find,  in  sojourning  within  our  borders, 
that  thou  art  truly  in  the  midst  of  thine  own  people 
who  will  have  it  in  their  hearts  to  do  thee  good, 
and  not  evil,  all  the  days  of  thy  life.  And  though, 
beloved  friend,  a  further  acquaintance  with  our  state 
may  give  thee  to  perceive  that  we  are  not  rich  or 
increased  with  goods,  but  often  feel  our  little  com- 
pany to  be  an  afflicted  and  poor  people,  yet  thou  wilt 
not  shrink  from  taking  a  share  of  our  burdens,  if  thy 
dear  Master  thus  commissions  thee,  that  so,  when 
the  times  of  refreshing  come  from  His  presence,  we 
may  also  rejoice  together.  Mayst  thou,  dear  Eliza, 
more  and  more  be  enabled  to  praise  the  name  of 
Him  who  hath  "  showed  thee  His  marvellous  kind- 

19 


2i8       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


ness  in  a  strong  city,"  and  realize,  in  the  Lord's  own 
time,  even  while  a  pilgrim  here,  that  He  whom  thou 
desirest  to  serve  is  indeed  the  "  Repairer  of  the 
breach,  the  Restorer  of  paths  to  dwell  in." 
In  true  affection,  thy  friend. 

A  few  extracts  from  E.  P.  G.'s  journal,  which  was 
not  very  regularly  kept,  may  properly  find  place 
here : 

West  Hill,  Seventh  mo.  9th,  185 1. — Months  pass 
away,  and  I  seem  to  add  nothing  to  my  journal.  Is 
it  because  I  shrink  from  looking  myself  steadily  in 
the  face  ?  Ah,  were  it  not  that  there  is  One  who  is 
touched  with  a  feeling  of  our  infirmities,  who  par- 
dons the  iniquities  of  His  penitent,  believing  chil- 
dren, and  (notwithstanding  their  innumerable  back- 
slidings)  loves  them  freely,  well  might  I  faint  beneath 
an  overwhelming  sense  of  my  manifold  shortcomings, 
yea,  my    crimson  sins." 

Three  weeks  have  elapsed  since  I  left  Philadelphia, 
and  the  probability  is  I  shall  know  it  as  an  abiding- 
place  no  more.  The  way,  however,  clearly  opened 
for  pitching  my  tent  in  this  delightful  spot,  and  great 
was  the  relief  and  peace  I  felt.  There  are  some 
very  interesting  persons  there,  to  whom  I  feel  much 
attached,  and  I  left  them  with  regret. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  219 

Peaceful  and  happy  has  been  my  settlement  in  this 
quiet  retreat,  and,  oh  !  how  have  I  desired  that,  let 
others  do  as  they  may,  as  for  me  and  my  house,  we 
might  serve  the  Lord  !  "  I  will  sing  of  mercy  and 
judgment;  unto  Thee,  O  Lord,  will  I  sing."  I  will 
behave  myself  wisely  in  a  perfect  way.  Oh,  when 
wilt  Thou  come  unto  me?  I  will  walk  within  my 
house  with  a  perfect  heart," 

West  Hill,  Seventh  mo.  16th,  185 1. — I  must  make 
a  little  memorandum  of  a  deeply  interesting  visit  I 
paid  on  Second  day  last,  in  company  with  Isaac  and 
Rebecca  Collins,  to  Hickory  Grove. 

Dear  Abigail  Mott  had  had  a  paralytic  stroke,  and 
was  lying  in  the  room  adjoining  the  parlor,  in  a  very 
low  condition  physically,  but  calm  and  composed  in 
spirit,  quietly  waiting  till  her  change  shall  come. 
She  is  indeed  a  dignified  mother  in  Israel,  and  as 
we  stood  by  her  bedside  dear  Hannah  Mott  re- 
marked, "  The  work  is  finished  here ;  I  think  I 
know  it  to  be  so  ;  and  the  words  are  continually  in 
my  mind,  '-Soldier  of  Christ,  well  done  !'"  I  thought 
this  was  a  beautiful  testimony  from  one  who  was  so 
intimately  acquainted  with  her,  and  I  believe  it  to  be 
a  true  one. 

The  solemnity  that  reigned  throughout  our  visit 
was  very  remarkable  ;  the  odor  of  a  well-spent  life, 


220      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


and  the  sweet  fragrance  of  a  loving  spirit,  at  peace 
with  God  and  man,  like  Mary's  ointment,  seemed  to 
fill  the  house,  and  precious  was  it  to  partake  of  the 
refreshment  of  it.  But,  oh  !  it  was  most  touching  to 
see  her  faithful,  stricken  partner  bowing  beneath  the 
stroke.  While  his  submissive  spirit  seems  to  breathe 
the  language,  "It  is  the  Lord;  let  Him  do  what 
seemeth  him  good,"  I  believe  his  affectionate  feel- 
ings make  it  difficult  to  utter  Thy  will,  not  mine, 
be  done."  But  the  Lord,  whom  he  has  served  so 
long  faithfully,  will  "  hear  him  in  the  day  of  trouble, 
send  him  help  from  His  sanctuary,  and  strengthen 
him  out  of  Zion." 

First  mo.  29th,  1852. — While  I  painfully  realize 
that  my  ties  to  this  world  are  wonderfully  loosened, 
I  am  often  comforted  by  the  conviction  that  to  a 
better,  holier  inheritance  they  are  increased  and 
strengthened.  He  will  keep  that  which  is  com- 
mitted unto  Him :  then,  oh !  what  treasure  I  must 
have  in  heaven !  I  love  to  dwell  upon  the  blessed 
company  assembled  there, — father  and  mother,  sis- 
ters and  brothers,  uncles  and  aunts  and  nieces, 
whom  I  dearly  loved,  beside  those  precious  ones  of 
later  days,  with  whom,  I  trust  I  may  say,  I  have 
been  bound  up  in  the  bundle  of  life  ;  yea,  I  loved 
them  as  my  own  soul. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


221 


Fourth  mo.  5th,  1852. — More  than  two  months 
have  passed  since  I  opened  this  little  volume,  and 
now,  could  I  record  my  many  failures  in  watchful- 
ness, patience,  condescension,  gentleness,  meekness, 
forbearance,  charity,  should  I  not  have  abundant 
cause  for  the  acknowledgment  that  to  me  belongs 
blushing  and  confusion  of  face,  but  to  my  gracious 
Lord  and  Saviour  long-suffering  mercy  and  tender 
compassion,  or  would  He  not  have  cut  me  off  for- 
ever? Oh,  that  He  would  take  away  every  remnant 
of  the  stony  heart,  and  give  me  a  heart  of  flesh,  that 
I  might  never  again,  in  an  unguarded  moment,  give 
way  to  a  hasty  and  impatient  spirit,  and  thus  inflict 
a  wound  on  those  I  love ! 

Few  things  have  cost  me  so  much  suffering  as 
this  apparent  want  of  tenderness,  this  hasty,  proud, 
and  domineering  spirit.  My  very  soul  detests  it, 
and  yet  I  surely  do  not  strive  against  it  as  I  ought, 
or  I  should  not  be  always  sinning  and  repenting  as 
I  am,  one  minute  conferring  a  favor,  and  the  next 
finding  fault.  Oh,  that  I  might  act  less  from  impulse, 
and  more  from  fixed  principle  ! 

"  When  I  would  do  good,  evil  is  present  with  me." 

Alas,  alas  !  who  shall  deliver  me  from  the  body  of 

this  death,  who   but  the  great  Liberator,  Christ 

19* 


222      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

Jesus  our  Lord?  With  Him  all  things  are  possible, 
even  the  perfect  restoration  of  my  sinful  heart  to  that 
image  of  holiness  and  purity  that  was  lost  in  the 
Fall.  Blessed  Redeemer !  wilt  thou  not  hasten  the 
day  ? 

Since  I  wrote  last,  Eli  and  Sibyl  Jones,  at  my 
request,  have  committed  their  two  dear  children  to 
my  care,* — one  not  yet  two  years  old,  the  other 
eight.  I  feel  it  a  great  responsibility,  much  more  so 
than  I  anticipated,  but  I  believed  it  right  to  make 
the  offer.  May  I  be  helped  to  do  my  duty  by  them ! 
for  I  am  more  and  more  persuaded  I  can  do  nothing 
well  without  Divine  assistance. 

E.  P.  G.  to  C.  W.  Beesley  (in  allusion  to  the 
decease  of  H.  C.  Backhouse). 

Second  mo.,  1852. 

I  send  thee  the  last  of  the  letters.  Deeply  inter- 
esting it  has  been  to  me  to  glance  them  over,  and 
my  very  heart  has  ached  under  the  fresh  remem- 
brance that  all  that  powerful  love  and  sympathy 
have  been  withdrawn,  and  can  be  mine  no  more  on 
earth  forever.  Yet  other  streams  are  mercifully 
opened,  other   hearts    are  warmed  with  pure  and 


*  E.  and  S.  Jones  were  about  embarking  on  a  religious  visit  to 
Africa. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  223 

generous  affection  for  me,  and  I  desire  to  number 
my  remaining  blessings,  while  humbled  under  an 
abasing  consciousness  that  I  am  utterly  unworthy  of 
the  very  least  of  all  the  many  mercies  which  my 
indulgent  heavenly  Parent  has  bestowed  upon  me. 

...  I  longed  to  point   's  attention  to  the 

Lamb  of  God  who  taketh  away  the  sin  of  the  world; 
for,  though  we  must  be  born  again,  the  new  creation 
must  be  formed  in  us, — old  things  must  be  done 
away,  and  all  things  become  new  before  we  are  made 
meet  for  an  inheritance  among  the  saints  in  light, 
yet  how  impotent  are  all  our  own  endeavors  to 
effect  this  work  !  Is  not  the  humbling  preparation 
for  it  a  deep  and  heartfelt  sense  of  our  natural  de- 
pravity, and  of  our  utter  inability  of  ourselves  to 
do  any  good  thing,  even  to  think  a  good  thought  ? 
And  will  not  this  solemn  conviction  prostrate  us  at 
the  mercy-seat  as  guilty  sinners,  yet  with  the  fer- 
vent prayer,  "  A  Saviour,  or  I  die ;  a  Redeemer,  or 
I  perish  forever!"  Oh,  may  we  indeed  know  what 
it  is  to  enter  into  the  holiest  by  the  blood  of  Jesus, 
by  that  new  and  living  way  which  He  hath  conse- 
crated for  us  !  There  is  no  other  ;  He  hath  Himself 
declared  it :  "  No  man  cometh  unto  the  Father  but 
by  me ;"  "  I  am  the  way,  the  truth,  and  the  life." 
And  having  this  holy  High  Priest  over  the  house  of 
God,  the  penitent  believer  is  enabled,  through  the 


224      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

riches  of  His  grace,  through  the  fulness  of  His 
intercession,  the  freeness  of  His  pardoning  and  aton- 
ing love,  "  to  draw  near  with  a  true  heart,  in  full 
assurance  of  faith," — not  for  any  works  of  righteous- 
ness that  we  have  done,  but  because  our  hearts  are 
sprinkled  from  an  evil  conscience  by  that  blood  of 
sprinkling  which  was  shed  for  us  abundantly  on 
Calvary,  and  which  can  alone  cleanse  us  from  the 
defilement  of  our  past  iniquities,  or  free  us  from  the 
guilt  and  power  of  sin. 

I  know  thou  art  not  one  of  those  who,  on  hearing 
the  blessed  doctrine  of  Christ  crucified,  would  be 
ready  to  exclaim,  **  What  then  ?  Shall  we  continue 
in  sin,  that  grace  may  abound  ?"  How  striking  the 
apostle's  answer  to  his  own  query :  "  God  forbid ! 
How  shall  they  that  are  dead  to  sin  live  any  longer 
therein  ?"  Ah,  no !  a  living,  saving  faith  in  the 
Redeemer  of  men  must  bring  forth  fruits  of  right- 
eousness ;  for  faith  without  works  is  dead,  being 
alone. 

E.  P.  G.  to  C.  W.  B. 

West  Hill,  Fifth  mo.  3d,  1852. 
.  .  .  After  the  full  and  somewhat  oppressive  week 
in  Philadelphia,  the  rest  and  quiet  of  West  Hill  are 
most  refreshing,  and  again  and  again  have  the  words 
been  passing  through  my  mind, — 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  22$ 

"  Oh,  where  is  peace,  for  thou  its  paths  hast  trod, 
In  stillness,  in  retirement,  and  with  God?" 

I  do  not  say  "  in  poverty,"  because  I  do  not  believe 
it  is  confined  to  any  station,  and  I  have  happened  to 
see  it  enjoyed  in  its  fulness  where  He  who  giveth 
all  things  richly  to  enjoy  had  been  pleased  to  pour 
in  of  the  abundance  of  corn,  wine,  and  oil,  and 
added  the  yet  richer  blessing  of  a  thankful  heart. 
We  are  not  told  in  the  Bible  that  it  is  the  rich  or  the 
poor,  but  the  meek  who  shall  inherit  the  earth  and 
delight  themselves  in  the  abundance  of  peace.  May 
we  strive  to  become  yet  more  and  more  of  this 
blessed  number  !  Truly,  I  do  not  count  myself  to 
have  apprehended,  but  this  one  thing  I  earnestly  and 
prayerfully  desire  to  do  :  leaving  the  things  that  are 
behind,  and  reaching  forward  unto  those  which  are 
before,  even  the  glorious  realities  of  that  city  into 
which  nothing  that  is  unholy  can  ever  come,  I  do 
desire  to  be  strengthened  to  press  forward  toward 
the  mark.  Let  this±)e  our  concern,  and  let  us  turn 
away  from  all  the    voices  that  are  in  the  world." 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  B.  Mott. 

West  Hill  (no  date). 
My  beloved  Friend, — As  I  think  thy  dear  and 
honored  father  was  a  little  suspicious  of  our  incre- 
dulity with  regard  to  his    chapter  on  scruples,"  last 


226      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


evening,  I  want  thee  to  tell  him,  with  my  love,  that 
it  was  not  read  to  us  in  vain ;  for  in  the  midnight 
watches,  remembering  what  he  said  about  cherishing 
our  scruples  and  attending  to  them,  and  thus  having 
more  laid  upon  us,  I  endeavored  to  search  and  see 
whether  there  was  anything  in  my  own  habitation 
that  gave  me  uneasiness.  The  result  of  my  cogita- 
tions is,  I  have  ordered  two  silver  gravy-boats  and 
a  silver  dish  to  be  put  out  of  the  way,  and  not  to  be 
forthcoming  again.  They  were  placed  on  the  table 
without  my  direction,  and  I  felt  a  little  uneasy  with 
it  at  the  time,  but  I  was  beginning  to  get  accustomed 
to  seeing  them  there,  and  very  likely  the  "scruple" 
would  not  have  been  attended  to  but  for  his  timely 
hint.  I  do  not  know  of  anything  else  that  has  given 
me  uneasiness,  but  if  any  one  has  been  stumbled  by 
me  in  any  way,  I  hope  you  will  be  kind  enough 
and  candid  enough  to  tell  me  of  it.  No  one,  I 
think,  can  have  more  respect  for  honest,  truthful 
scruples  than  myself,  believing  that  "  whatsoever 
is  not  of  faith  is  sin;"  therefore  "happy  is  he 
that  condemneth  not  himself  in  the  thing  which  he 
alloweth." 

I  know  my  own  weakness  is  great,  but  I  think  I 
do  sincerely  desire  to  be  preserved  from  placing  a 
stumbling-block  or  an  occasion  to  fall  in  a  brother's 
way. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  22/ 

I  hope  thy  dear  father  was  no  worse  for  his  exer- 
tions yesterday.  Although  there  was  no  indication 
of  it,  my  heart  was  afresh  introduced  into  tender 
sympathy  with  him,  in  the  low  and  solitary  places 
he  is  passing  through."^  Thou,  too,  knowest  well 
what  it  is,  my  precious  friend  and  sister. 

E.  P.  G.'s  domestic  quiet  was  interrupted  in  the 
autumn  of  1852  by  an  apprehension  that  she  was 
called  to  religious  service  in  some  of  the  meet- 
ings of  Friends  in  the  Western  States.  She  thus 
speaks  of  this  engagement  and  its  peaceful  com- 
pletion : 

During  this  season  of  domestic  solicitude  my 
mind  was  invested  with  a  concern  to  attend  the 
Yearly  Meeting  of  Indiana,  and  a  few  other  meet- 
ings by  the  way.  It  was  a  comfort  to  me  that  the 
Monthly  Meeting  cordially  united  with  the  prospect, 
and  gave  me  a  very  satisfactory  certificate ;  for  it 
would  be  trying  indeed  to  go  from  home  without 
the  unity  and  sympathy  of  Friends.  The  question 
of  companionship  I  desired  to  leave  entirely  to  the 
great  Disposer  of  events,  who,  I  assuredly  believe, 
does  guide  His  poor  dependent  children,  even  to  an 
hair's  breadth  ;  and  He  knoweth  our  need  of  all  these 


*  Philippians  iv.  19;  [therefore]  iv.  4. 


228       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

things.  In  a  little  while  I  heard  that  dear  Rebecca 
Collins  had  the  same  concern,  and  that  her  husband 
was  intending  to  accompany  her.  This  struck  me 
very  pleasantly ;  and  on  naming  the  subject  to 
Mahlon  Day,  I  found  his  mind  also  was  drawn  to- 
ward that  Yearly  Meeting,  and  had  been  for  several 
years,  though  the  way  had  not  opened  for  attending 
it.  Thus,  without  any  effort  on  our  parts,  our  little 
company  seemed  banded  for  the  service,  as  it  were ; 
and  I  think  we  had  reason  to  believe  we  were  rightly 
united  together.  Some  of  the  Providences  of  the 
interesting  journey  I  believe  I  shall  never  forget; 
and,  oh !  may  I  cherish  a  grateful  remembrance  of 
the  gentle  dealings  of  my  Lord  and  Master,  who 
mercifully  condescended  to  be  "  mouth  and  wisdom, 
tongue  and  utterance"  to  one  of  the  most  feeble  and 
unworthy  of  His  flock,  if,  indeed,  it  is  not  presuming 
to  suppose  that  I  belong  to  it  at  all. 

The  first  Sabbath  day  we  spent  at  Baltimore, 
which  place  I  entered  with  a  heavy  heart ;  and  be- 
fore going  to  meeting  an  unusual  weight  of  exercise 
so  clothed  and  oppressed  my  spirit,  that  I  found  it 
difficult  to  converse  with  the  dear,  kind  friends  at 
whose  house  I  was  pleasantly  sojourning.  How  I 
have  suffered  from  this  very  cause  !  and,  oh !  how 
hard  it  is  for  poor,  proud  human  nature  to  submit, 
to  be  a  "  fool" — yea,  to  be  "  drunk  with  silence" — 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  229 

when  the  Lord  commands  it,  and  even  to  withhold 
our  peace  from  good  ! 


E.  P.  G.  to  C.  W.  B.,  referring  to  visit  to  In- 
diana. 

Eighth  mo.  22d,  1852. 

...  I  truly  desire  to  have  no  will  of  my  own 
about  it,  and  that  I  may  be  enabled,  cheerfully  and 
thankfully,  to  acquiesce  in  the  pointings  and  order- 
ings  of  Him  who  is  perfect  in  wisdom,  and  who 
leadeth  the  blind  by  a  way  which  they  know  not. 
Dost  thou  remember  those  sweet  little  verses  in 
"  Thoughts  of  Peace"  ?— 

*'  Lead,  Saviour,  lead ;  amid  the  encircling  gloom 

Lead  Thou  me  on  ! 
The  night  is  dark,  and  I  am  far  from  home. 

Lead  Thou  me  on  ! 
Keep  Thou  my  feet  !    I  do  not  ask  to  see 
The  distant  scene  :  one  step's  enough  for  me." 

They  have  been  much  before  me  lately,  and  I 
trust  some  capacity  has  been  given  to  adopt  them 
for  my  own.  Oh,  what  an  unspeakable  favor  to  be 
led  and  guided  by  Israel's  unslumbering  Shepherd  ! 
May  this  God  be  our  God  for  ever  and  ever!  May 
He  be  our  guide  even  unto  death ! 


20 


230      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


To  the  Same. 

Richmond,  Indiana,  Ninth  mo,  29th,  1852. 
.  .  .  My  heart  was  in  great  heaviness,  and  con- 
tinued so  until  after  our  large  and  solemn  meeting 
on  First  day  morning.  This  brought  such  a  feeling 
of  peace  and  relief  into  my  mind,  that  I  began  to 
doubt  whether  I  should  have  any  weights  left  by 
the  time  I  reached  Indiana.  However,  I  have  since 
found  that  we  have  not  yet  come  to  that  blessed  rest 
and  inheritance,  where  the  clouds  return  not  after 
the  rain."  Sometimes,  at  home,  they  used  quite  to 
disappear  for  a  little  season,  but  never  since  I  left 
your  city,  with  a  burden  on  my  spirit  such  as  I 
could  not  attempt  to  describe,  has  the  lowering 
cloud  ceased  to  hang  about  the  horizon,  though  at 
times  it  decreases  to  the  size  of"  a  man's  hand,"  and 
does  not  quite  obscure  all  pleasant  objects.  I  have 
indeed  passed  through  a  season  of  close  proving  and 
conflict  since  I  saw  thee,  dear;  but,  oh !  what  an  un- 
speakable mercy  to  know  the  clouds  to  discharge 
themselves,  one  after  another,  and  to  witness  the 
"clear  shining  after  the  rain," — to  see  a  little  glimpse 
of  the  light  of  the  countenance  of  that  blessed 
Master  whose  we  are,  and  whom  we  desire  to  serve, 
and  then  to  hear  His  gracious  language,  as  if  com- 
passionating our  weakness  and  infirmities :   "  Let 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  23 1 

her  alone,  she  hath  done  what  she  could."  Surely 
this  is  recompense  enough  for  any  suffering  we  may 
have  to  bear.  The  meetings,  both  yesterday  and 
to-day,  are  considered  by  Friends  to  have  been  times 
of  favor,  though  the  crowd  this  morning  about  the 
doors  prevented  stillness  in  the  early  part.  James 
Jones  and  Lindley  M.  Hoag  were  engaged  in  tes- 
timony, Rebecca  Collins  and  two  other  Friends 
in  prayer.  I  had  only  to  open  the  door  for  the 
former  by  a  few  sentences,  for  which,  I  think  I  may 
say,  I  felt  truly  thankful,  as  I  was  beginning  to  be 
almost  frightened  at  hearing  my  own  voice.  Yet  I 
trust  I  may  never  cast  away  my  confidence,  which 
has  been  so  remarkably  renewed  and  strengthened 
in  this  Western  journey. 

So  far,  not  one  good  thing  has  failed  of  all  that  the 
Lord  promised  us.  Oh,  if  we  may  but  see  the  way- 
marks  plainly  to  the  end !  Friends  are  all  kindness. 
Many  have  invited  us  pressingly  to  their  neighbor- 
hoods; but  I  did  not  see  anything  beyond  this  Yearly 
Meeting  when  I  came  out,  and  hope  we  may  be  able 
to  leave  pretty  directly  after  the  meeting  closes. 

E.  P.  G.  to  C.  W.  B. 

Tenth  mo.  i6th,  1852. 

.  .  .  Thou  mayst  have  heard  already  that  I  am 
actually  safe  and  sound  in  my  own  dear  home. 


232      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

Never  did  it  look  so  bright  and  peaceful  as  it  does 
this  day,  and  oh  !  that  my  gratitude  to  the  bounte- 
ous Giver  may  bear  some  proportion  to  His  mer- 
cies, which  are  truly  manifold.  Tell  thy  dear  uncle, 
Thomas  Evans,  that  his  cordial  welcome  met  me, 
with  many  others,  and  was  very  cheering.  The 
words  he  quoted  had  been  much  with  me  on  my 
journey  home:  "Return  unto  thy  rest,  O  my  soul! 
for  the  Lord  hath  dealt  bountifully  with  thee." 

E.  P.  G.  to  Edward  Pease. 

West  Hill,  First  mo.  i8th,  1853. 

.  .  .  Certainly  the  Friends  who  compose  the  little 
Burlington  circle  are  among  the  "  finest  of  the 
wheat"  in  America,  and  I  cannot  be  too  thankful  to 
my  heavenly  Father  that  the  lines  have  fallen  unto 
me  in  such  pleasant  places.  The  meeting  is  pre- 
served in  precious  unity,  and  the  two  aged  veterans 
who  sit  at  the  head  of  it,*  being  delivered  from 
the  noise  of  the  archers,"  continue  to  "  rehearse  the 
righteous  acts  of  the  Lord  in  the  places  of  drawing 
water."  They  are  both  remarkably  bright  at  the 
present  time,  and  are  frequently  engaged  in  the 
occupancy  of  their  ministerial  gifts,  to  the  comfort 
and  edification  of  the  Church.    Dear  Richard  Mott 


*  Stephen  Grellet  and  Richard  Mott. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  233 

generally  attends  our  little  reading  meetings,  of 
which  he  may  be  considered  the  dignified  head, 
being  now  in  his  eighty-eighth  year.  Yet  I  think 
I  must  also  acknowledge  that  He  who  is  Head  over 
all  things  to  His  Church  has  sometimes  been  pleased 
to  favor  us  with  His  life-giving  presence,  especially 
in  the  seasons  of  retirement  at  the  close,  uniting  and 
contriting  our  spirits,  and  giving  us  to  feel  that  our 
fellowship  is  with  the  Father  and  with  the  Son,  and 
one  with  another  in  Him.  This  was  remarkably  the 
case  last  evening,  when  dear  Richard  Mott  addressed 
us  very  strikingly  in  reference  to  the  founder  of 
our  Society,  whose  Life"  (by  Marsh)  we  are  now 
engaged  in  reading.  He  said  his  feelings  had  been 
affected  by  the  account  we  had  just  heard  of  the 
sufferings  of  our  worthy  predecessors;  and  while 
reflecting  on  the  privileges  these  very  sufferings  had 
purchased  for  us,  he  had  earnestly  desired  we  might 
bring  the  subject  closely  home,  that  we  might  feel 
humbled  under  a  sense  of  it,  and  be  afresh  stimu- 
lated to  entire  faithfulness,  to  unreserved  dedication 
of  all  that  we  have  and  all  that  we  are  to  the 
Master's  service.  He  told  us  he  had  been  forcibly 
impressed  with  the  greatness  of  the  character  of  this 
remarkable  man;  that  there  was  no  fanaticism  about 
it :  he  was  earnest  for  the  truth,  and  willing  to  sacri- 
fice all  in  the  promotion  of  it.    It  was  true  he  some- 

20* 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

times  used  expressions  which  were  common  in  that 
day,  but  not  so  familiar  to  the  gentle  ears  of  modern 
times,  yet  he  was  a  true  gentleman,  quoting  in 
proof  of  this  some  parts  of  William  Penn's  descrip- 
tion of  him.  But  I  cannot  at  all  do  justice  to  his 
beautiful  testimony,  though  I  did  rejoice  in  it,  on 
account  of  the  many  interesting  young  people  who 
were  assembled  with  us.  We  sometimes  number 
fifty-seven  or  fifty-eight.  At  first  we  occupied  our- 
selves with  needle-work.  But  I  proposed,  a  few 
weeks  ago,  that  we  should  knit  for  the  poor,  and  it 
is  pleasant  to  see  with  what  spirit  they  have  taken 
it  up.  The  interest  thou  expressed  about  our  little 
social  gatherings  last  winter  was  very  grateful  to 
us.  .  .  . 

I  have  often  thought  that  few  things  are  more 
helpful  to  a  feeble,  inexperienced  Christian  traveller 
than  passing  words  of  cheer  from  aged  pilgrims, 
who,  having  stood  as  waymarks  on  the  heavenward 
journey,  fought  the  good  fight  and  kept  the  faith, 
are  finishing  their  course  with  joy,  the  Spirit  bearing 
witness  with  their  spirits  that  an  eternal  crown  of 
glory  is  laid  up  for  them  in  the  world  to  come. 
This,  I  rejoicingly  believe,  is  thy  experience,  my 
dear  and  honored  friend,  under  a  solemnizing  con- 
sciousness that,  in  the  natural  course  of  things,  the 
time  of  thy  departure  is  at  hand."    But,  although  I 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  235 

am  sensible  that  to  depart  and  be  with  Christ  would 
be  "  far  better"  for  thee,  yet  thy  continuance  in  the 
flesh  does  seem  to  be  so  needful  for  us  and  for  the 
Church,  I  have  some  confidence  thou  wilt  abide 
with  us  all  a  little  longer,  for  our  furtherance  in  the 
gospel  and  rejoicing  in  the  faith. 

I  spent  last  evening  at  dear  Stephen  Grellet's,  in 
company  with  my  sisters,  and  just  before  we  left  we 
had  a  very  precious  opportunity,  in  which  he  seemed 
to  have  a  little  glimpse  of  those  eternal  realities  and 
unrevealed  joys  with  which  the  sufferings  of  this 
present  time  are  not  worthy  to  be  compared.  The 
spirits  of  the  just  made  perfect  seemed  to  be  hover- 
ing around  us,  and  the  dear  old  apostle  spoke  as  if 
really  partaking  with  them  of  that  river  of  pleasure 
which  flows  at  God's  right  hand  for  evermore.  His 
words  of  living  ministry  brought  tears  from  eyes  that 
are  not  used  to  weeping. 

J.  Hodgkin  to  E.  P.  G. 

Second  mo.  4th,  1853. 

...  I  was  much  interested  in  sharing-,  whilst 
with  dear  Jane,  thy  comforting  report  of  thy  jour- 
ney to  Indiana  ;  and  it  is  truly  satisfactory  to  hear 
confirmatory  evidence  through  other  channels  of  the 
character  of  that  visit.  May  it  encourage  thee  still 
to  trust  and  not  be  afraid  ;  and  if  Paul's  experience 


236      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

has  been  therein  confirming  thee  in  the  truth  and 
applicabiHty  of  the  prediction  in  the  eighteenth 
verse  of  the  last  chapter  of  Mark,  let  it  prepare 
thee  to  expect  a  call  to  further  service,  somewhat 
after  this  sort :  "  As  thou  hast  testified  of  me  at 
Jerusalem,  so  must  thou  bear  witness  also  at  Rome." 
I  apply  not  either  locality,  but  an  analogous  en- 
largement and  diversity  of  service  I  believe  awaits 
thee. 

.  .  .  William  Forster,  the  elder  (the  father  of  the 
present),  told  me  that,  when  he  was  a  boy,  he  used 
to  like  to  find  out  the  very  oldest  persons  who  were 
then  living,  thinking  that  he  ought  to  lose  no  time 
in  the  search  of  such,  for  every  year  lessened  his 
chance  of  collecting  traditional  knowledge.  When 
at  Hertford,  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  he  fell  in  with  a 
very  aged  woman-Friend  who  knew  William  Penn 
intimately.  She  was  so  fond  of  him  that  she  told 
W.  F.  she  would  not  have  married  if  he  would  not 
have  come  to  the  wedding.  She  described  in  very 
glowing  terms  his  fervor  of  spirit,  and  how,  under 
the  constraining  love  of  Christ,  his  gospel  ministry 
literally  overflowed.  She  has  seen  him  come  into 
a  meeting  already  gathered,  pull  off  his  hat  as  he 
walked  up  the  aisle,  commence  preaching,  and,  when 
he  reached  the  place  where  he  usually  sat,  remain 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  237 

standing,  and  continue  his  discourse  almost  to  the 
end  of  the  meeting. 

I  believe  it  is  a  great  mistake  to  attribute  quietism 
to  our  early  Friends.  That  was  a  parasitical  plant 
which  grew  at  a  much  later  period  upon  the  old 
Quaker  stock,  under  the  influence  of  Guyon, 
Fenelon,  and  Law.  They  (the  early  Friends)  most 
soundly  maintained  that  words  without  life  were  of 
no  avail ;  that  if  any  man  ministered,  he  must  do  it 
of  the  ability  that  God  giveth.  But  they  believed 
that  that  ability  zt)07ild  be  given  ;  they  asked,  and  had 
it ;  they  stirred  up  the  gift  that  was  in  them ;  their 
sense  of  the  high  vocation  wherewith  they  were 
called  prevented  their  lying  flat  on  their  faces,  as 
Joshua  did  before  Ai.  At  the  bidding  of  the  Lord 
they  rose  up,  and  led  on  their  forces  into  the  land 
of  promise.  I  have  a  very  strong  persuasion  that 
we,  as  a  people,  are  weak,  not  only  because  of  the 
spirit  of  the  world,  but  because  we  think  we  are 
weak,  because  we  are  a  discouraged  people ;  and 
that  which  is  true  of  us  as  a  whole  is  not  less  true  in 
Norfolk  than  in  other  parts.  "  Arise  and  build,  for 
the  joy  of  the  Lord  is  still  your  strength." 

In  1853  E.  P.  Gurney  attended  the  Yearly  Meet- 
ing of  New  England,  held  at  Newport,  where  she 
was  most  kindly  greeted.    Jane  G.  Fox,  daughter 


238      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

of  H.  C.  Backhouse,  writes,  in  relation  to  this 
visit, — 

...  I  cannot  tell  thee  how  truly  I  enjoyed  the 
narrative  of  thy  visit  to  New  England,  and  thy  going 
over  the  field  traversed  before  in  company  with  our 
precious  mother,  thus  fulfilling  the  prophecies  that 
went  before  on  thee.  Well,  in  this  line  only  will,  I 
believe,  be  thy  peace  on  earth,  and  in  it  thy  com- 
munion with  beloved  ones  in  heaven. 

The  deep  interest  which  Friends  in  England  had 
long  taken  on  the  subject  of  negro  slavery  led  them, 
at  the  Yearly  Meeting  in  1853,  to  prepare  an  ad- 
dress to  the  President,  and  others  in  authority  in  the 
United  States,  relative  to  its  suppression.  Wil- 
liam and  Josiah  Forster,  John  Candler  and  William 
Holmes  were  chosen  to  be'the  bearers  of  the  docu- 
ment. William  Forster  also  had  a  minute  for  some 
religious  service  by  the  way.  Soon  after  their  ar- 
rival they  spent  a  short  time  at  West  Hill  for 
needed  rest,  proceeding  thence  to  Washington  and 
the  Western  and  Southern  States  in  the  prosecution 
of  their  beneficent  errand.  While  in  Tennessee, 
William  Forster  was  prostrated  by  illness,  and  after 
a  few  days  of  great  suffering  and  weakness,  to  use 
his  brother's  words,  he  "  breathed  out  his  soul  unto 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  239 

God."  His  remains  were  laid  in  Friends'  burying- 
ground  at  Friendsville  (Tennessee).  Interesting  de- 
tails of  the  progress  of  the  delegation  in  their 
mission  and  of  the  solemn  close  of  W.  Forster's 
devoted  life  will  be  found  in  the  memoir  edited  by 
Benjamin  Seebohm. 

While  at  St.  Louis,  W.  Forster  had  written  to 
E.  P.  Gurney, — 

Eleventh  mo.  23d,  1853. 

...  I  owe  thee  so  much,  my  dear  friend,  for  all 
thy  hospitality  and  kindness  and  sisterly  love  so 
bountifully  and  liberally  heaped  upon  me  from  one 
time  to  another.  It  does  a  little  pain  me  to  think 
how  inadequate  all  expression  is  to  convey  the  grati- 
tude that  I  desire  to  feel,  and  do  sometimes,  toward 
thee,  dear  Eliza,  and  toward  Him  who  has  given  thee 
such  an  understanding  of  nie,  and  has  often  made 
thee  a  help  .and  comfort  to  me  in  my  low  estate. 
Thou  hast  made  West  Hill  so  much  of  a  home, — 
such  an  one  as  I  do  not  expect  or  desire  to  find  until 
I  get  back  again  once  more,  I  trust,  to  my  own  dear 
home, — thou  must  bear  with  me  when  I  say  that  I 
love  to  think  of  returning  to  you  again,  and  some- 
times long  for  it.  You  are  all  in  my  remembrance 
with  love  and  thankfulness, — thy  sisters  and  dear 
Harriet ;  she  was  so  sweet  and  tender,  almost  like  a 


240      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

child  of  my  own.  I  cannot,  and  would  not  wish  to. 
forget  it.  .  .  .  Considering  my  many  infirmities  and 
my  great  feebleness,  it  is  very  possible  that  I  may 
be  excused  from  going  to  some  of  those  very  re- 
mote districts  to  which  my  mind  is  often  most 
strongly  drawn. 

From  E.  P.  Gurney's  private  memoranda  we  take 
the  following  outline  of  an  interesting  occasion  at 
Baltimore : 

Second  mo.  14th,  1854. 

For  my  own  satisfaction  in  days  to  come,  I  must 
preserve  some  record  of  the  very  solemn  day  we 
spent  at  Baltimore,  just  two  weeks  after  the  re- 
mains of  that  devoted  servant  of  the  Lord,  William 
Forster,  had  been  committed  to  the  silent  grave.  It 
was  the  first  Friends'  meeting  the  sad  and  contracted 
little  band  had  attended  since  their  bereavement, 
and  I  believe  it  seemed  to  many  besides  myself  like 
the  "  burial  day."  A  heavy  burthen  had  oppressed 
my  spirit  ever  since  hearing  the  affecting  tidings,  but 
I  was  mercifully  helped  to  throw  it  off  on  that  most 
solemn,  sorrowful  occasion.  After  the  meeting  had 
been  gathered  about  half  an  hour,  I  felt  constrained 
to  rise  with  the  words,  "  Forever  with  the  Lord  ! 
Gathered  to  the  just  of  all  generations;  washed 
and  made  white  in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb."  How 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  24 1 

precious  are  considerations  such  as  these  when  loved 
and  honored  ones  are  taken  from  us,  who  have  stood 
as  firm  and  upright  pillars  in  the  Church,  who  have 
counted  not  their  lives  dear  unto  themselves,  that 
they  might  finish  their  course  with  joy,  and  the 
ministry  which  they  had  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus, 
to  testify  the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God.  And 
though  to  our  shortsightedness  the  dispensation 
may  appear  to  have  been  mysterious,  the  mission 
unfulfilled,  yet,  my  beloved  friends,  we  must  ever 
remember  that  one  day  is  with  the  Lord  as  a  thou- 
sand years,  and  a  thousand  years  as  one  day.  And 
whenever  He  may  see  meet,  in  His  infinite  and  un- 
searchable wisdom,  to  say  to  His  dedicated  servants, 
"It  is  enough,"  whether  it  be  in  the  morning,  at  mid- 
day, or  in  the  evening,  his  work  is  done.  And  may 
we  not  reverently  believe  that  when,  in  tender  love 
and  mercy,  the  work  is  thus  cut  short  in  righteous- 
ness, the  compassionate  Shepherd  of  Israel  does 
sometimes  whisper  to  the  departing  spirit,  even  in 
the  solemn  stillness  of  the  bed  of  death,  "It  was  well 
that  it  was  in  thine  heart  :  depart  in  peace,  thy  faith 
hath  saved  thee"  ?  Then  let  us  not  be  too  much 
dismayed  or  cast  down,  as  though  some  strange 
thing  had  happened  unto  us,  but  let  us  put  on  fresh 
strength  in  the  name  of  the  Lord.    Is  not  the  need 

increased  ?     Let  us  press  forward  with  redoubled 

21 


242       MEMOIR  AMD  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

diligence,  not  only  to  make  our  calling  and  election 
sure,  but  also  that  we  may  do  our  part  in  hastening 
the  coming  of  that  glorious  day  when  the  knowl- 
edge of  God  and  of  his  Christ  shall  cover  the  earth  as 
the  waters  cover  the  sea.  I  have  remembered,  for  my 
own  instruction, — and  it  maybe  that  it  is  designed  for 
the  instruction  of  others, — that  it  is  recorded  in  the 
volume  of  divine  inspiration  :  "  The  people  served 
the  Lord  all  the  days  of  Joshua,  and  all  the  days  of 
the  elders  that  outlived  Joshua,  who  had  seen  the 
mighty  works  and  wonders  of  the  Lord ;"  but  after 
a  time  all  that  generation  were  gathered  to  their 
fathers,  and  another  generation  arose  "  which  knew 
not  the  Lord,  nor  yet  the  mighty  deeds  that  He  had 
done  for  Israel." 

Oh,  that  this  may  never  be  said  of  us,  is  the  ear- 
nest breathing  of  my  spirit ;  but  may  the  mantle  of 
Elijah  descend  upon  the  Elishas  of  the  present  day, 
that  by  a  thorough  surrender  of  the  heart  to  the  cru- 
cifying power  of  the  cross  of  Christ  there  may  be  a 
succession  of  standard-bearers  and  testimony-bearers 
raised  up  from  among  this  people,  to  whom  the 
Great  Head  of  the  Church  did  indeed,  in  former 
days,  commit  a  noble  banner,  that  it  might  be  dis- 
played because  of  His  own  blessed  Truth.  Oh, 
then,  my  beloved  friends,  though  it  may  indeed  be 
said  on  the  present  solemn  occasion  that  the  Church 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  243 

mourns,  that  we  are  brought  low  under  the  chasten- 
ing hand  of  our  God,  let  us  take  heed  that  we  be  not 
slothful,  but  followers  of  them  who,  we  do  reverently 
believe,  are  now,  even  at  this  very  moment,  through 
faith  and  patience,  inheriting  the  promises. 

"  And  though  a  Paul  has  run  his  course, 

Or  an  Apollos  dies, 
Is  Israel  left  without  resource, 

And  are  there  no  supplies  ? 
Yes;  while  the  dear  Redeemer  lives 

We  have  a  boundless  store, 
And  shall  be  fed  with  what  He  gives 

Who  lives  for  evermore." 

Then  may  we  not  all  join,  as  with  one  heart  and 
one  accord,  in  the  prayer  of  His  disciples  formerly, 
"Lord,  evermore  give  us  this  bread"? — even  this 
heavenly  bread,  bread  which  alone  can  satisfy  the 
hunger  of  the  immortal  spirit  and  nourish  it  up  unto 
eternal  life.  Thus  being  strengthened  to  fill  up  the 
ranks  in  righteousness,  having  served  our  generation 
according  to  the  will  of  God,  we  also  may  be  gath- 
ered, through  the  riches  of  atoning  love  and  mercy, 
to  that  glorious  company  of  ransomed  ones  who  are 
already  come  unto  Mount  Zion  and  unto  the  City  of 
the  Living  God,  the  heavenly  Jerusalem,  and  to  an 
innumerable  company  of  angels,  to  the  general  as- 
sembly and  church  of  the  first-born,  whose  names 


244      MEMOIR  ANp  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

are  written  in  heaven,  and  to  God,  the  Judge  of  all, 
and  to  the  spirits  of  just  men  made  perfect,  and  to 
Jesus,  the  Mediator  of  the  new  Covenant.  Oh,  the 
blessedness  of  such  a  change  as  this !  gathered  by  a 
hand  of  infinite  mercy  from  a  state  of  conflict  and 
mourning  to  one  of  love  and  joy  and  peace, — trans- 
lated, as  it  were,  from  death  and  darkness  into  the 
glorious  light  and  liberty  of  the  children  of  God. 

"  These  hunger  no  more,  neither  thirst  any  more, 
neither  shall  the  sun  light  on  them,  nor  any  heat,  for 
the  Lamb  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  throne  doth 
feed  them  and  lead  them  to  fountains  of  living 
waters,  and  God  Himself— blessed  be  His  holy  name 
forever ! — hath  wiped  away  all  tears  from  every  eye." 

William  Edward  Forster  to  E.  P.  G.,  after  his 
Father's  death  in  America. 

Second  mo.  23d,  1854. 

My  very  dear  Friend, — There  is  little  I  can  bear 
to  write,  but  I  do  not  like  the  American  post  to  go 
without  a  letter  to  thee.  .  .  .  Thy  being  on  his  side 
of  the  Atlantic  has  been  through  atU  a  great  comfort 
to  me ;  though  thou  couldst  not  get  him  under  thy 
roof,  where  he  would  have  been  so  tenderly  cared 
for,  yet  I  am  sure  the  feeling  that  he  might  get  to 
thee  was  a  comfort  and  alleviation  of  absence  to  him. 
Do,  pray,  let  our  most  kind  friend,  Dr.  Taylor,  know 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  245 

how  deeply  grateful  my  mother  and  myself  feel  for 
his  kindness  in  undertaking  so  long  and  tiresome  a 
journey  on  my  dearest  father's  account.  .  .  .  He 
has  been  allowed  to  fall  a  martyr  to  his  devotion  to 
that  great  and  holy  cause  of  the  abolition  of  negro 
slavery,  in  the  earnest,  untiring  advocacy  of  which  so 
large  a  portion  of  his  life  has  from  time  to  time  been 
spent;  and  I  cannot  but  believe  that  his  thus  dying 
in  one  of  your  Slave  States  will  encourage  American 
Friends  more  and  more  to  devote  themselves  to  this 
cause  in  a  like  spirit. 

In  Seventh  mo.,  1855,  her  continued  affectionate 
interest  in  her  many  English  friends,  and  the  belief 
that  she  was  called  to  some  further  religious  service 
in  Europe,  induced  E.  P.  Gurney  once  more  to  cross 
the  Atlantic,  accompanied  by  her  niece,  Harriet  H. 
Kirkbride,  who  was  afterward  married  to  Theodore 
Fox,  and  settled  in  England. 

E.  P.  G.'s  notes  of  the  voyage  are  of  interest: 

On  board  the  Baltic ^  eighteen  Jinndred  miles 
from  Nezv  York,  Seventh  mo.  17th,  1855. — This 
is  our  seventh  day  at  sea,  my  beloved  sisters,  and 
I  have  nothing  but  mercies  to  record,  rich  and  un- 
merited mercies,  since  that  last  memorable  morn- 
ing when,  with  a  heavy  heart  yet  quiet  spirit,  I 

21* 


246      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

bade  farewell  to  dear-loved  relatives  and  friends  and 
fatherland, — whether  for  longer  or  shorter  time  is 
known  only  to  Him  who  appoints  the  bounds  of  our 
habitation  and  doeth  all  things  well.  Oh,  were  it 
not  for  this  blessed  assurance,  which  for  the  last 
thirty  years  has  been  an  abiding  one  with  me,  I 
know  not  how  I  should  have  borne  the  manifold 
uprootings  that  are  meted  out  to  me.  For  a  little 
season  I  am  permitted,  through  the  tender  mercy  of 
my  heavenly  Father,  to  encamp  with  those  I  love 
beneath  the  shadowing  palm-trees  and  by  the  wells 
of  water  long  desired  ;  but  no  sooner  is  my  spirit 
cheered  and  comforted  than  I  am  called  to  pull  up 
stakes,  remove  my  tent,  and  journey  on  again.  Yet 
so  far  I  have  seen  the  need  be  for  every  uprooting, 
and  I  desire  to  hold  fast  my  confidence  firm  unto 
the  end.  Perhaps  my  faith  never  was  more  closely 
tried  than  in  this  last  strange  step,  it  seemed  so 
perfectly  unnatural  to  turn  my  back  on  my  delightful 
home  and  loved  and  loving  friends  and  venture 
once  again  upon  this  treacherous  ocean,  not  knowing 
why  or  wherefore.  But  "  Have  not  I  commanded 
thee?"  is  an  appeal  which  ought  to  answer  every 
doubt  and  silence  every  fear,  and  I  may  thankfully 
acknowledge  its  power  to  do  so. 

After  the  last  long  look  at  the  dear  ones  who 
so  kindly  accompanied  us  to  the  steamer,  we  got 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  247 

comfortably  ensconced  under  our  umbrella,  and  were 
soon  joined  by  the  lady  to  whom  we  had  been  intro- 
duced at  the  pier.  She  at  once  interested  us  greatly, 
not  only  by  the  exceeding  gentleness  and  refinement 
of  her  manners,  but  by  the  striking  renunciation  of 
self  which  is  apparent  in  every  movement.  She  is 
a  perfect  Florence  Nightingale  to  the  ship,  visiting 
daily  all  the  sick  and  wounded,  and  ministering  to 
their  necessities  with  a  grace  and  tenderness  I  have 
rarely  seen  excelled.  To  me  her  constant  kind  and 
sisterly  attention  is  beyond  all  price,  and  I  hope 
when  we  get  to  England  I  may  have  an  opportunity 
to  return  it.  I  felt  quite  free  from  sickness,  had  a 
most  peaceful,  comfortable  night,  and  woke  refreshed 
next  morning.  This  seemed  to  be  in  mercy  granted 
me.  .  .  . 

20th. — What  may  await  us  in  England  we  little 
know,  or  whether  any  home  is  provided  for  us.  But 
I  have  remembered  with  comfort  the  beautiful  Scrip- 
ture promise  quoted  by  dear  R.  Shober,  in  the  first 
meeting  I  attended  after  my  return  to  my  native 
land,  which,  I  may  confess  with  heartfelt  thankful- 
ness, has  been  remarkably  fulfilled  in  my  experience: 
"  I  will  be  to  them  a  little  sanctuary  in  all  places 
whither  they  may  come." 

Never  has  my  dear  and  faithful  Saviour  allowed 
me  to  feel  homeless,  a  "  stranger  and  foreigner"  on 


248       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

His  earth,  since  the  day  that  I  entered  into  covenant 
with  Him  that  if  He  would  lead  me  in  the  way  that 
I  should  go,  I  would  serve  Him.  Oh,  that  in  His 
tender  love  and  mercy  He  would  graciously  enable 
me  to  fulfil  my  part  of  the  covenant,  cost  me  what  it 
may  !  In  taking  a  retrospective  view  of  the  years 
spent  in  America,  although  blushing  and  confusion 
of  face  might  well  be  my  portion  in  remembrance  of 
my  manifold  shortcomings  and  infirmities,  yet  I  am 
bound  to  acknowledge  gratefully  that,  through  the 
infinite  compassion  of  a  pitying  Saviour,  I  have  felt 
no  condemnation,  being  able  in  sincerity  of  soul  to 
make  the  appeal,  "  Thou  knowest  I  have  desired  to 
do  Thy  will." 

2 1  St. — The  Irish  coast  in  view,  and  Captain  Corn- 
stock  hopes  to  be  in  Liverpool  early  to-morrow 
morning.  The  sea  just  like  a  mirror.  Every  one 
well  on  board.  Bless  the  Lord,  oh,  my  soul,  and 
forget  not  all  His  benefits ! 

Ham  House,  24th. — When  I  was  about  closing 
my  sea  notes  all  seemed  fair  and  promising.  In  a 
very  short  time,  however,  a  dense  fog  gathered  round 
us,  and  we  knew  by  the  constant  ringing  of  the  bell 
and  the  whistle,  which  they  only  use  in  time  of  dan- 
ger, that  the  captain  was  beginning  to  be  anxious. 
He  soon  had  a  barrier  placed  on  the  deck,  that  no 
one  should  approach  the  place  where  he  was  stand- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  249 

ing,  and  commanded  that  no  voice  should  be  heard 
but  his  own.  In  a  few  minutes  we  were  sensible  of 
a  jar,  and  after  waiting  a  little  in  breathless  suspense 
were  told  that  a  large  ship  had  run  so  near  us  as  to 
graze  the  steamer,  but  passed  on  unhurt.  We  knew 
that  the  peril  was  great,  though  all  were  profoundly 
silent.  Directly  came  another  heavier  jar,  and  word 
was  quickly  sent  into  the  cabin  that  we  had  sunk  a 
schooner  which  had  run  against  us,  and  that  a  boat 
had  put  off  to  save  the  crew  if  possible.  Judge  what 
our  feelings  were  at  such  a  moment!  In  about  half 
an  hour  they  returned,  bringing  nine  men  and  one 
poor  frightened  girl  of  thirteen  years  of  age, — the 
whole  ship's  company.  It  appeared  they  thought  it 
not  unlikely  they  might  be  run  down,  and  had  got 
into  their  boat  just  as  the  vessel  struck.  It  was  an 
awful  night ;  almost  the  whole  ship's  company  were 
up  till  three  or  four  o'clock,  the  dismal  bell  and 
whistle  still  informing  us  the  danger  was  not  over. 
Soon  after  this,  however,  the  fog  cleared  away,  and  a 
lovely  morning  succeeded.  The  captain  said  if  the 
largest  ship  had  struck  our  steamer  instead  of  only 
grazing  it,  it  would  undoubtedly  have  sunk  both  ves- 
sels. May  we  be  enabled  to  praise  the  Lord  for  His 
goodness !  Not  very  long  after  the  pilot  met  us  we 
saw  a  little  boat  hovering  around  us,  and  presently 
descried  my  noble  brother,  Samuel  Gurney,  Sarah, 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

Richenda  Barclay,  and  young  Edward  Buxton,  who 
had  most  kindly  come  the  day  before  to  Birkenhead 
to  meet  us  and  conduct  us  to  Ham  House,  where  we 
are  now  most  peacefully  and  comfortably  settled. 

I  have  not  said  how  truly  affecting  it  was  to  me  to 
see  the  pale  and  altered  countenance  of  my  much- 
loved  brother;  but  he  has  the  same  sweet,  gentle, 
loving  spirit,  and  it  is  delightful  to  be  with  him 
again,  even  at  this  changed  home,  where  a  void  is 
deeply  felt  at  every  moment.  John  Henry  met  us 
at  the  station,  looking  as  beaming  and  sweet  as  pos- 
sible. Nothing  could  possibly  exceed  the  cordial 
welcome  we  receive  on  every  hand,  and,  what  is  best 
of  all,  the  peace  of  my  own  mind  has  been  unbroken. 

Shortly  after  their  arrival,  E.  P.  Gurney  established 
herself  at  Earlham  Road,  the  former  residence  of  her 
lamented  friend,  William  Forster,  near  Norwich, 
where  she  remained  nearly  three  years,  resuming  her 
former  habits  of  familiar  intercourse  with  the  remain- 
ing members  of  the  delightful  circle  in  which  she 
had  so  long  moved,  now  rapidly  narrowing  with  the 
lapse  of  time.  Having  a  certificate  of  removal  from 
her  friends  at  home,  she  became  again  a  member  of 
Norwich  Monthly  Meeting.  The  death  of  the  ven- 
erable Stephen  Grellet  occurred  soon  after  E.  P.  G. 
left  America,  of  which  she  writes : 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


251 


E.  p.  G.  to  J.  K.  Clarke. 

Earlham  Road,  Twelfth  mo.  4th,  1855. 

My  dearest  Sister, — Can  it  be  that  that  dear 
aged  pilgrim  is  gone,  to  be  seen  of  men  no  more? 
Having  heard  from  time  to  time  such  sorrowful  ac- 
counts of  his  physical  sufferings,  my  first  feeling  on 
receiving  the  tidings  of  his  blessed  translation  were 
those  of  rejoicing,  as  I  dwelt  on  the  words  of  the 
Psalmist:  "The  righteous  cry,  and  the  Lord  heareth, 
and  delivereth  him  out  of  all  his  troubles."  But  the 
more  I  reflect  upon  it,  the  wider  and  deeper  seems  the 
void  which  the  departure  of  this  saint  has  made,  not 
only  in  his  own  beloved  and  stricken  family,  not  only 
in  our  section  of  the  Christian  Church,  of  which  he 
was  so  bright  an  ornament,  but  in  the  Church  at 
large.  It  may  seem  strange  to  speak  thus  of  one 
whose  services  of  latter  time  have  been  so  much  con- 
fined to  his  own  neighborhood ;  but  who  can  esti- 
mate the  loss  of  the  prayers  of  one  such  deeply-exer- 
cised spirit  as  his,  poured  forth,  as  they  often  were, 
both  in  public  and  private,  for  the  universal  Church 
and  for  the  world  ?  Surely  they  have  come  up  in 
sweet  memorial  before  the  Throne.  And  then,  how 
teaching  was  his  patient  spirit!  to  say  nothing  of  his 
powerful  evangelical  ministry,  which  seems  only  to 
have  ceased  with  his  latest  breath.    Few  of  the 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

Lord's  dedicated  messengers  have  been  more  gener- 
ally known  or  more  truly  honored.  Dear,  dear  old 
prophet, — for  such  he  surely  was, — when  shall  we 
look  upon  his  like  again  ?  I  loved  him  sincerely 
for  his  abundant  kindness  and  unfailing  sympathy, 
but  most  of  all  for  the  grace  of  God  that  was  in 
him."  Truly  it  may  be  said  of  him,  "  He  was  a  man 
full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost."  Have  we  not 
seen  his  face  shine  with  the  oil  of  the  kingdom 
when,  pressed  in  spirit,  he  has  powerfully  declared 
unto  us  the  whole  counsel  of  God  ?  Surely  "  the 
signs  of  an  apostle  were  wrought  among  us,  in  all 
patience  and  wonders  and  mighty  deeds."  And  few 
had  more  marks  of  apostleship  in  weariness  and 
painfulness,  in  watchings  often,  in  perils  in  the  city, 
in  perils  in  the  wilderness,  in  perils  by  the  heathen, 
in  perils  in  the  sea,  and,  worst  of  all  and  hardest  to 
endure,  in  perils  by  false  brethren  at  home.  Dear 
patient  saint !  My  heart  aches  under  a  sense  of  his 
sufferings,  and  yet  through  all  how  heaven-bound 
he  seemed,  and  how  beautifully  did  his  straightfor- 
ward and  still  brightening  path  proclaim  the  lan- 
guage, "  None  of  these  things  move  me,  neither 
count  I  my  life  dear  unto  myself,  that  I  may  finish 
my  course  with  joy,  and  the  ministry  which  I  have 
received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  testify  the  gospel  of 
the  grace  of  God."    And  now  that  ministry  is  fin- 


ELIZA  P.  GUENEY.  253 

ished,  and  that  course  is  run.  He  has  "  warred  a 
good  warfare,"  and  is,  we  reverently  believe,  through 
the  atoning  mercy  of  his  risen  Saviour,  "  made  more 
than  conqueror  over  death,  hell,  and  the  grave."  As 
to  the  beloved,  bereaved,  devoted  wife  and  daughter, 
I  feel  as  if  I  hardly  knew  how  to  mention  them.  .  .  . 
May  "  the  Lord  hear  them  in  this  day  of  trouble,  the 
name  of  the  God  of  Jacob  defend  them,  send  them 
help  from  His  sanctuary,  and  strengthen  them  out  of 
Zion !" 

E.  P.  G.  to  William  J.  and  R.  W.  Allinson. 

Earlham  Road,  Twelfth  mo.  13th,  1855. 
...  By  a  living  faith  in  the  only  Saviour,  and  a 
thorough  surrender  of  the  heart  to  the  baptizing 
power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  this  dedicated  servant  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  (S.  Grellet)  may  surely  be  said  to 
have  attained  to  his  measure  of  the  stature  of  the 
fulness  of  Christ,  yea,  to  the  perfect  man  in  Christ 
Jesus ;  and  whatever  may  have  been  the  estimate  of 
his  character  made  by  some  of  his  mistaken  fellow- 
believers,  we,  who  have  fully  known  his  "  doctrine, 
manner  of  life,  purpose,  faith,  long-suffering,  pa- 
tience, charity,"  rejoice  in  the  conviction  that  the 
foundation  of  God  standeth  sure,  having  this  seal, 
"  The  Lord  knoweth  them  that  are  His,"  that  He 

giveth  unto  them  eternal  life,  and  that  no  man  shall 

22 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

ever  be  able  to  pluck  them  out  of  His  hand.  How 
tenderly  I  have  felt  for  the  beloved  bereaved  ones  I 
cannot  say,  but  they  will  be  cared  for,  they  will  be 
comforted.  "  A  Father  to  the  fatherless  and  a  Judge 
of  the  widow  is  God  in  His  holy  habitation."  I 
have  also  truly  felt  for  the  little  band  of  worshippers, 
who  shall  behold  his  heaven-illumined  countenance 
no  more.  But  may  we  not  believe  that  though  ab- 
sent in  the  body  he  will  be  present  in  spirit,  "joying 
and  beholding  your  order  and  the  steadfastness  of 
your  faith  in  Christ."  It  has  been  grateful  as  well 
as  touching  to  my  feelings  to  have  been  made,  as  it 
were,  a  centre  of  sympathy  on  this  affecting  occasion. 
How  often  have  I  thought  of  the  words  in  Ecclesi- 
astes,  I  think,  in  reference  to  him  since  hearing  that 
he  was  gone  to  be  with  Jesus :  Fools  counted  his 
life  madness,  but  he  is  in  peace." 

E.  P.  G.  to  her  Sisters,  J.  K.  Clarke  and  M.  A. 
Williams. 

Earlham  Road,  Eighth  mo.  19th,  1856. 
I  was  intending  to  write  you  by  the  next  steamer 
before  we  received  the  affecting  intelligence  of  the 
decease  of  our  dear  and  honored  friend,  Richard 
Mott.  At  such  an  advanced  age  there  is  no  feeling 
of  surprise,  yet  it  is  impossible  there  should  not  be 
one  of  sadness  in  the  reflection  that  the  place  which 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  255 

has  known  these  aged  worthies,  who  are  dropping 
off  one  by  one,  shall  know  them  no  more.  How 
changed  will  dear  old  Burlington  appear  without 
those  truly  dignified  and  venerated  champions  for 
the  truth !  (Referring  also  to  Stephen  Grellet.)  I 
used  often  to  look  at  them  at  the  head  of  the  gallery, 
and  wonder  where  two  other  such  men  could  be 
found,  taking  their  age  and  dedication  into  account. 
But  they  have  served  their  generation  according  to 
the  will  of  God,  and  now,  as  we  reverently  believe, 
are  gathered  to  the  general  assembly  and  church  of 
the  first-born,  where  all  is  love  and  unity  and  peace 
and  joy.  How  well  do  I  remember,  when  I  bade 
farewell  to  those  aged  pilgrims,  the  one  at  his  own 
door  and  the  other  at  the  railway  station,  both  pro- 
nounced a  blessing  upon  me :  "  The  Lord  be  with 
thee!"  "The  Lord  bless  thee!"  Blessed  and  joyous, 
as  I  humbly  but  confidingly  believe,  will  be  the  re- 
assembling of  the  faithful  round  the  throne  of  God. 
May  we,  my  dearest  sisters,  be  of  the  happy  num- 
ber !  Then,  though  our  earthly  lots  be  far  asunder, 
we  shall  at  last,  through  boundless  love  and  mercy, 
be  reunited  where  they  part  no  more. 


256      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


CHAPTER  V. 

In  the  latter  part  of  1856,  E.  P.  Gurney  made  a 
visit,  in  the  love  of  the  gospel,  to  Friends  and  others 
in  the  south  of  France  and  Northern  Italy,  the  scene 
of  her  labors  when  travelling  with  her  husband  in 
former  years.  Her  helpful  and  congenial  com- 
panions were  Robert  Alsop  and  his  wife,  the  latter 
(formerly  Christine  Majolier)  being  a  native  of  Con- 
genies,  in  France,  with  whom  E.  P.  G.  had  formed  a 
close  friendship  during  her  previous  visit. 

The  following  letters  afford  pleasant  glimpses  of 
their  progress,  and  of  some  interesting  interviews 
in  the  course  of  the  tour: 

E.  P.  G.  to  J.  K.  Clarke. 

Ninth  mo.  i6th,  1856. 

.  .  .  My  heart  is  somewhat  lightened  of  its  heavy 
burthen  since  our  Monthly  Meeting,  and  I  feel  more 
capacity  to  share  in  the  trials  of  others.  The  fullest 
unity  was  expressed  with  my  somewhat  formidable 
prospect,  and  much  sympathy  manifested  in  the 
tearful  eyes  of  some  of  our  honest-hearted  Norfolk 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  257 

friends.  I  think  it  will  be  a  comfort  to  you  to  find 
that  Robert  and  Christine  Alsop  are  prepared  to  ac- 
company me,  and  I  quite  believe,  on  many  accounts, 
I  could  not  have  more  agreeable  or  suitable  com- 
panions. Christine  says,  in  a  note  I  had  from  her 
a  few  days  ago,  she  is  sure  I  could  not  find  any 
who  love  me  more,  or  who  would  be  more  desirous 
to  do  all  they  could  to  promote  my  comfort  in  every 
way.  This  I  entirely  believe,  having  proved  them  in 
my  visit  to  Ireland.  So  I  hope,  my  beloved  sister, 
you  will  have  no  uneasiness  about  me.  I  trust  I  am 
going  on  the  Lord's  errand,  and  to  His  gracious  care 
and  keeping  you  must  commit  me,  in  a  little  grain 
of  faith  that  this  sacrifice  will  be  among  the  "  all 
things"  which  shall  work  together  for  good  to  your 
poor  pilgrim  sister,  who  sometimes  does  feel  her- 
self to  be  a  stranger  and  sojourner  on  the  earth, 
but  seeking,  as  I  trust,  a  better  country,  even  an 
heavenly. 

E.  P.  G.  to  Eliza  Barclay. 

La  Tour,  Tenth  mo.  i8th,  1856. 
In  return  for  thy  great  kindness  I  think  thou  art 
fairly  entitled  to  the  first  letter  from  the  valleys  of 
Piedmont,  where  everything  we  see  and  hear  re- 
minds us  of  thee.  We  reached  La  Tour  last  even- 
ing, and  were  very  kindly  welcomed  byAdele  Revel, 

22* 


258      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

who  had  been  on  the  lookout  for  us  for  several  days, 
as  she  understood  we  left  England  on  the  7th.  But 
I  must  go  back  and  tell  thee  a  little  of  our  pre- 
vious history.  Thou  wilt  probably  have  heard  of  us 
as  far  as  Lyons,  where  we  were  detained  three  days, 
because  there  were  no  places  in  the  diligence  on 
Sixth  and  Seventh  days,  and  we  did  not  incline  to 
travel  on  the  Sabbath,  especially  in  France,  where 
this  day  of  rest  is  so  wholly  disregarded.  We  had 
no  cause,  however,  to  regret  the  detention,  as  we 
had  some  very  interesting  intercourse,  both  social 
and  religious,  with  some  of  the  pious  Protestants  re- 
siding there.  One  of  the  ladies  met  me  very  warmly, 
and  when  she  found  I  did  not  remember  her  the  tears 
came  into  her  eyes.  '*  Do  you  not  know  me  ?"  said  she. 
"  I  translated  for  you  fourteen  years  ago,  when  you 
were  last  at  Lyons."  When  she  told  me  her  name, 
Delamarre,"  I  had  some  recollection  of  her,  but  I 
fear  my  memory  is  a  very  faithless  one.  On  Second 
day  we  went  to  Chambery  by  diligence,  and  quite  en- 
joyed it ;  there  obtained  a  carriage  just  large  enough 
to  pack  us  in  with  half  our  luggage,  and  on  Fifth  day 
we  had  a  charming  drive  across  Mont  Cenis.  The 
weather  cold,  but  beautifully  bright  most  of  the  time, 
with  now  and  then  a  sprinkling  of  snow.  I  had 
rather  dreaded  this  part  of  the  journey,  but  the  road 
is  so  fine  and  so  well  protected  all  fear  was  taken 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  259 

away,  and  we  quite  feasted  on  the  splendid  scenery. 
Feeling  a  little  burthened,  when  I  rose  in  the  morn- 
ing, with  the  unknown  future  before  me,  my  heart 
was  comforted  in  remembering  the  declaration  that 
"  His  faithfulness  is  like  the  great  mountains,"  stead- 
fast, immovable.  Then  "  what  have  His  poor  tremb- 
ling ones  to  fear?"  Almost  at  the  top  of  Mont  Cenis 
we  found  a  nice,  bright  family  living  in  one  of  the 
most  comfortless  abodes  I  ever  saw  ;  six  daughters, 
with  their  delicately-turned  Italian  countenances, 
quite  interested  us.  I  gave  one  of  them  a  New 
Testament,  with  which  she  seemed  greatly  delighted, 
saying  she  had  only  seen  some  portions  of  it  when 
she  was  at  school,  but  now  she  could  read  the  whole. 
We  have  distributed  many  tracts  and  books  for 
children,  and  almost  invariably  they  have  been 
gratefully  received. 

Second  day  morning. 

I  did  not  like  to  tell  thee,  my  dearest  E.,  under  what 
a  weight  of  discouragem^ent  I  was  writing  the  above, 
but  now  that  the  clouds  are  a  little  dispersed  I  must 
give  thee  some  account  of  our  arrival  here.  In  the 
first  place,  the  rain  was  pouring  down  in  torrents,  and 
we  were  taken  to  the  old  inn,  which  looked  com- 
fortless enough,  without  either  carpets  or  fire,  for  the 
weather  was  become  very  cold.  Adele  Revel  soon 
came  to  welcome  us ;  but  she  only  remained  a  few 


26o      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


minutes,  saying  she  would  not  interrupt  us  then,  but 
would  call  the  next  day,  and  that,  if  we  preferred 
doing  so,  we  could  then  remove  into  the  new  house. 
So  we  settled  in,  and  made  things  as  comfortable  as 
we  could,  but  were  glad  to  remove  in  the  morning, 
though  the  rain  continued  to  pour.  By  the  aid  of 
good  fires  and  a  few  travelling-rugs  we  soon  made 
this  abode  quite  habitable,  and  were  interested  in 
finding  a  nice  young  Englishwoman  in  the  upper 
rooms  by  the  name  of  Gasparini.  She  had  married 
an  Italian  when  only  fifteen  years  of  age,  and  now 
had  to  support  both  him  and  their  children  by  her 
needle  and  pencil.  But  I  think  you  met  with  her  at 
Nice  last  winter.  We  invited  the  Revels  to  tea,  and 
found  them  very  agreeable.  I  ventured  to  ask  the 
"  moderator"  if  he  thought  we  could  have  a  few  of 
their  friends  at  our  hotel  on  First  day  evening,  and, 
rather  to  our  surprise,  he  responded  very  warmly, 
as  we  fancied  they  had  previously  shown  some 
reserve  on  the  subject.  If  the  weather  was  fine, 
they  said,  our  rooms  would  be  more  than  filled. 
But  all  First  day  the  rain  continued  to  come  down 
in  torrents,  and  nothing  could  look  more  discour- 
aging; however,  more  than  thirty  came,  although 
the  streets  were  quite  impassable  in  various 
places,  and  many  of  the  little  bridges  were  swept 
away. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


Our  congregation  was  of  the  better  sort,  and  I 
think  we  are  bound  to  acknowledge  gratefully  that, 
through  the  loving  kindness  and  overshadowing 
presence  of  the  Minister  of  ministers,  we  had  a 
solemn  assembly.  Just  at  the  close  our  friend  Revel 
observed,  with  much  feeling  and  emphasis,  "  We  are 
told  by  the  great  apostle  that  Paul  planteth  and 
Apollos  watereth,  and  God  giveth  the  increase.  A 
,  short  time  ago  our  brother,  who  is  now  with  God, 
planted  the  good  seed  in  our  hearts ;  and  now  our 
sister  has  been  sent  to  water  them.  We  have  been 
cheered  and  encouraged  by  the  labors  of  both. 
May  a  blessing  from  above  rest  upon  them  !  May 
the  seed  take  root  in  our  hearts,  and  may  God  give 
the  increase !"  He  said  a  little  more,  which  I  can- 
not remember  exactly,  but  his  allusion  to  dear  Wil- 
liam Forster  was  sweet  and  touching  to  me.  When 
the  meeting  was  over  they  were  all  as  warm  as  pos- 
sible, Pastor  Malan  especially  begging  us  to  have  a 
meeting  in  the  school-house  this  evening,  as,  he  said, 
many  more  than  our  rooms  could  contain  would  be 
glad  to  attend.  This,  however,  we  thought  best  to 
decline,  as  we  are  likely  to  be  with  them  some  time 
longer;  and  it  was  well  we  did,  for  the  rain  continued 
without  interruption,  so  that  they  fear  the  seed  that 
has  been  sown  on  the  mountains  will  be  utterly 
washed  away. 


262      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


They  all  say  it  is  well  we  came  when  we  did,  as 
now  to  cross  Mont  Cenis  would  be  very  difficult, 
the  snow  being  very  deep.  One  of  the  diligences 
was  overturned  by  a  whirlwind  on  the  top  of  Mont 
Cenis,  but  no  one  was  seriously  hurt. 

E.  P.  G.  to  E.  H.  H. 

Perosa,  Eleventh  mo.  5th,  1856. 
I  trust  you  are  thinking  of  us  for  good,  though  we 
hear  so  little  from  you.  Truly  we  need  the  prayers 
of  those  who  are  concerned  for  the  prosperity  of  the 
Truth.  No  woman  Friend  has  ever  visited  this  place 
before  in  the  character  of  a  gospel  minister ;  but,  as 
the  moderator  observed,  "  the  people  expressed  no 
surprise,  but  appeared  quite  prepared  to  receive  our 
gospel  message  as  coming  from  the  Lord."  What  a 
mercy  it  is,  my  dear  friend,  that  when  the  blessed 
Shepherd  sendeth  forth  even  the  weakest  of  the 
flock,  He  goeth  before  them  to  prepare  the  way. 
Robert  and  Christine  are  very  kind  and  helpful,  and 
we  get  on  harmoniously  together.  In  the  first  few 
meetings  the  vocal  service  devolved  entirely  upon 
me ;  then  Robert  spoke  a  little  at  the  conclusion, 
and  afterward  Christine  came  out,  to  my  relief,  for  I 
had  felt  the  weight  of  the  meetings,  as  well  as  the 
preparatory  baptisms, — which,  I  assure  thee,  have 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  263 

not  been  small, — rather  heavy  upon  me.  The  last 
two  or  three  evenings  she  has  taken  her  full  part. 

E.  P.  G.  to  Edward  Pease. 

Genoa,  Eleventh  mo.  12th,  1856. 
Thou  wilt  have  heard  of  our  progress  through  the 
valleys  of  Piedmont,  where  we  had  ten  large  and 
relieving  meetings, — eight  in  Luzerna  and  two  in  St. 
Martin.  The  roads  to  some  of  them  were  very  dif- 
ficult, especially  those  to  Angrogna  and  Bobin,  in 
the  former  valley,  and  that  to  Ville-Seche,  in  the 
latter.  I  never  saw  such  magnificent  mountain 
scenery;  but  some  of  the  great,  huge  precipices,  to 
my  unpractised  eye,  looked  rather  fearful.  How  I 
did  think  of  poor  dear  William  Forster,  who,  they  all 
told  us,  suffered  exceedingly  with  fear  in  traversing 
these  rugged  mountain-passes.  But  he  has  left  a 
very  sweet  impression,  and  I  believe  his  visit  to  the 
valleys  opened  the  way  for  ours.  They  call  him  (as 
with  one  accord)  *'  that  holy  man  of  God,"  and  all 
their  countenances  brighten  up  whenever  he  is 
named.  We  met  with  the  greatest  kindness  from 
all  the  pastors,  especially  from  Revel,  the  moder- 
ator, who,  when  Christine  was  not  quite  well,  pro- 
posed to  go  to  Angrogna  to  interpret  for  me.  This 
was  rather  remarkable,  as  he  is  a  sort  of  bishop 
among  them,  and  it  was  evident  at  first  there  was  a 


264      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

little  scruple  in  their  minds  against  women's  min- 
istry. However,  as  Adele  Revel  told  me,  it  was  only 
because  it  was  a  new  thing,  and  she  believed  it  was 
wholly  done  away.  We  became  really  attached  to 
these  warm-hearted  people.  Their  simple  piety  and 
faith  and  zeal  are  very  striking,  and,  I  thought,  in- 
structive also.  I  could  but  long  that  some  of  our 
transatlantic  friends,  who  are  wasting  their  lives  in 
contending  for  the  faith,"  as  they  call  it,  might 
witness  the  single-hearted  dedication  of  these  moun- 
taineers ;  for  surely  it  may  be  said  of  some  of  the 
over-zealous  ones,  "  Ye  know  not  what  spirit  ye  are 
of." 

When  we  got  to  Turin  everything  looked  gloomy 
enough,  and  the  prospect  of  a  meeting  as  dull  as 
possible.  However,  I  felt  that  attraction  to  the  place 
which  would  warrant  our  making  some  inquiry,  and 
Robert  and  Christine  went  in  the  evening  to  call  on 
Pastor  Bert,  who  returned  with  them  to  our  hotel, 
and  seemed  very  kind,  but  was  evidently  frightened 
at  the  prospect,  and  wondering  how  it  would  be 
accomplished.  The  other  pastor,  Meille,  to  whom 
we  had  a  letter  from  E.  Barclay,  had  never  noticed 
us  in  any  way,  so  that  strong  faith  and  confidence 
were  needed  in  order  to  carry  us  through.  But 
these  were  not  withheld  by  Him  who  has  prom- 
ised He  will  not  forsake  his  poor  depending  chil- 


ELIZA  P.   GURNEY.  265 

dren ;  and  at  the  hour  appointed  we  proceeded  to 
the  meeting-place,  a  nice  large  room,  in  which  they 
hold  their  evening  service,  as  they  call  it.  It  will 
contain  three  or  four  hundred  persons,  and  was  soon 
quite  full.  Here  Pastor  Meille  was  introduced  to  us, 
and  we  fancied  he  looked  very  cold.  However,  after 
a  short  but  solemn  silence,  I  was  enabled  thoroughly 
to  relieve  my  mind  to  a  most  serious  and  attentive 
audience  on  the  faith  and  the  words  of  Abraham, 
'*  God  will  provide  Himself  a  lamb ;"  and  soon  after 
I  sat  down,  Bert  rose  and  thanked  us  warmly,  on 
behalf  of  himself  and  the  congregation,  explaining 
who  we  were,  and  that  it  was  in  the  love  of  the 
gospel  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  we  had  come 
amongst  them.  Then  Meille  knelt  down,  and  in  a 
truly  solemn,  feeling  manner  commended  us  and 
our  mission  to  the  Lord,  fervently  praying  that  the 
word  which  had  been  spoken  amongst  them  might 
be  the  means  of  stimulating  them  to  greater  dili- 
gence, that  they  might  indeed  be  the  children  of 
faithful  Abraham,  not  counting  anything  too  dear  to 
part  with  at  the  command  of  the  Lord.  I  do  not 
know  when  I  have  heard  more  earnest,  fervent 
prayer,  and  the  meeting  broke  up  under  a  feeling  of 
true  solemnity.  Bert  returned  home  with  us,  and 
was  as  warm  as  possible ;  and  the  next  day,  accord- 
ing to  agreement,  Meille  called  and  took  us  to  the 

2 


266      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

different  schools,  in  two  of  which  he  translated  what 
was  said  into  Italian  in  a  most  impressive  manner. 
Christine  said  he  seemed  to  be  preaching  himself,  he 
spoke  so  earnestly.  I  forgot  to  say  that,  after  the 
meeting  on  First  day  evening,  we  went  to  the  Berts' 
to  tea,  and  they  all  came  to  us  the  next  evening. 
Charles  Bunsen  also  came,  and  spent  an  hour  with 
us  very  agreeably ;  and  in  the  morning,  when  we 
reached  the  platform,  we  found  our  friends,  the  pas- 
tors, and  an  English  lady  by  the  name  of  Green- 
field waiting  to  see  us  off, — no  one  more  cordial 
than  the  Pastor  Meille,  with  whom  in  those  two 
days  we  formed  a  real  friendship. 

We  have  found  large  openings  for  books  and 
money  everywhere  we  have  gone,  and  I  have  felt  so 
much  interest  in  many  of  their  objects  that  I  have 
been  ready  to  wish  my  purse  had  no  end.  As  to 
the  fear  that  has  been  expressed  that  the  Vaudois 
were  in  danger  of  being  injured  by  kindness,  I  be- 
lieve there  is  no  truth  in  it.  Many  of  the  poor 
mountaineers  have  scarcely  the  means  of  subsist- 
ence, especially  since  the  failure  of  the  vine.  This 
year,  however,  the  chestnuts  have  been  abundant, 
which  is  a  merciful  provision  for  them ;  and  as  to  the 
pastors,  they  cannot  be  called  hirelings,  for  they 
receive  almost  nothing  for  their  truly  laborious  ser- 
vices,— going  up  the  mountains  in  the  depth  of 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  267 

winter,  and  sometimes  not  returning  until  late  at 
night,  plodding  home  through  the  snow.  I  thought, 
though  peace  of  mind  might  pay  for  such  exertion, 
no  money  ever  could,  certainly  not  the  pittance  they 
receive. 

On  Third  day  morning  we  left  Turin  and  went  on  to 
Genoa,  where  I  felt  no  inclination  for  a  meeting,  and 
my  faith  was  confirmed  on  finding  that  there  could 
have  been  no  opening  for  one  if  I  had,  for  the  Prot- 
estant flock  in  that  city  is  small  and  scattered,  and 
understand  only  Italian. 

However,  I  did  not  feel  at  liberty  to  leave  on 
Fourth  day,  though  I  could  not  tell  why,  but  in  the 
course  of  the  morning  Christine  incidentally  heard 
that  the  Duchess  of  Orleans  was  in  the  neighbor- 
hood,  and  as  I  had  all  along  been  under  the  impres- 
sion I  should  see  her  somewhere,  though  I  had  no 
idea  where  she  was,  I  concluded  to  write  her  a  line 
and  ask  for  an  interview  the  following  day,  when  we 
found  we  should  pass  her  door.  Accordingly,  at  a 
quarter  past  eleven  we  were  there, — an  unreasonable 
hour,  to  be  sure,  but  we  were  bound  to  a  certain 
stopping-place,  and  could  not  help  it.  A  German 
lady  met  us  in  the  drawing-room,  and  told  us  she 
had  written  to  appoint  "  one  o'clock"  for  our  call ; 
wished  to  know  if  we  could  not  wait,  as  the  Duchess 
was  engaged  with  her  drawing-master.     I  replied 


268       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

that  I  should  be  very  sorry  to  disturb  her,  but  that  I 
believed  we  must  be  going  on  our  way,  and  was 
about  to  leave  a  message,  when  she  interrupted  me, 
exclaiming,  Oh,  but  she  says  she  must  see  you ;  so 
if  you  cannot  wait  she  will  come  down  directly."  In 
a  very  few  minutes  the  sweet  young  creature  ap- 
peared, looking  extremely  delicate,  but  gentle  and 
lovely  as  ever.  She  led  me  to  a  seat  on  the  sofa,  and 
referred  to  our  former  interview  with  much  interest 
and  feeling;  said  she  had  read  Sir  Fowell  Buxton's 
life,  and  wished  to  know  whether  I  could  not  recom- 
mend her  some  more  such  religious  biographies. 
After  conversing  pleasantly  for  a  short  time,  I  asked 
for  a  few  minutes'  silence,  which  she  willingly  as- 
sented to,  and  immediately  informed  the  German 
lady  of  my  request.  I  think  I  may  truly  say  they 
were  moments  of  fervent  prayer  that  words  might  be 
given  me  suited  to  her  need,  and  I  trust  they  were 
not  withheld,  for  as  soon  as  I  had  ceased  she  seized 
my  hand  with  affectionate  earnestness,  saying  in 
broken  English,  "  Oh,  my  dear  friend,  how  shall  I 
thank  you  for  all  your  good  words  and  all  your 
great  kindness  to  me?  Will  you  continue  your 
prayers  for  me  when  we  are  far  separated?  for  I 
do  so  much  need  them."  She  then  inquired  where 
we  had  been  and  where  we  were  going,  showing 
much  interest  about  it,  and  saying,  with  great  em- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  269 

phasis,  "  I  SO  like  the  Friends."  When  I  bade  her 
farewell  she  said,  "And  when  do  you  go  to  Eng- 
land ?"  I  told  her  I  could  not  say  exactly,  but  be- 
fore very  long.  "Then,"  she  said,  quickly,  "you 
will  go  to  Claremont?  The  Queen  will  be  glad  to 
see  you,  and  now  you  can  tell  her  all  about  us."  I 
gave  her  some  books,  and  we  parted  most  affection- 
ately, she  telling  us  that  she  believed  a  blessing 
would  descend  upon  our  mission.  It  was  a  truly  in- 
teresting occasion,  and  one  we  shall  not  very  soon 
forget. 

Fifth,  Sixth,  and  Seventh  days  were  spent  in  trav- 
elling from  Genoa  to  Mentone,  where  we  are  spend- 
ing a  quiet,  peaceful  Sabbath-day.  I  feel  it  a  mercy 
to  be  here,  with  carpeted  floors,  soft  beds,  and  every 
comfort,  having  a  feverish  influenza  cold,  which 
needs  a  little  nursing.  The  weather,  however,  is 
lovely,  and  I  trust  it  will  soon  wear  off.  Our  jour- 
ney by  the'  Cornice  road  I  will  not  attempt  to  de- 
scribe. It  was  fearfully  grand  and  beautiful.  In- 
deed, we  have  had  a  feast  of  exquisite  scenery.  I 
had  no  idea  of  our  having  such  a  treat.  It  is  truly 
touching  to  be  at  this  lovely  spot,  reminding  me  at 
every  turn  of  that  precious  brother,  whose  place  will 
know  him  no  more.  To-morrow  we  go  on  to  Nice, 
which  will  be  yet  more  reminding. 

How  I  wish  you  could  share  with  me  in  the 
23* 


2^0      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

splendid  scene  that  is  just  below  my  window, — the 
deep  -  blue  Mediterranean  glittering  beneath  the 
golden  rays  of  the  setting  sun.  We  have  been  trav- 
elling beside  it  for  the  last  three  days. 

E.  P.  G.  to  Sarah  Gurney,  daughter  of  Samuel 
Gurney. 

Cannes,  Eleventh  mo.  25th,  1856. 
On  Fourth  day  morning  a  strange  concern  came 
over  me ;  I  felt  it  came  in  such  a  way  I  dare  not 
turn  from  it.  This  was  to  ask  for  a  religious  inter- 
view with  the  Dowager  Empress  of  Russia,  who  is 
spending  the  winter  at  Nice.  Robert  called  upon 
the  Baron  Majendoof,  and  saw  the  Baroness,  who 
took  the  note  which  I  had  written,  and  said  she 
would  show  it  to  her  husband,  but  seemed  very 
doubtful  about  his  handing  it  to  the  Empress.  The 
next  morning  he  called  again  by  appointment  and 
saw  the  Baron,  but  found  the  note  had  not  been 
delivered.  Indeed,  the  Baron  thought  it  was  quite 
impossible  to  trouble  her  with  notes  from  any  one. 
Her  Imperial  Majesty  was  very,  very  much  engaged  : 
she  was  expecting  the  High  Priest  every  moment, 
and  some  of  the  royal  family  were  to  come  to  Nice 
in  a  day  or  two.  Besides,  he  could  not  conceive 
what  Madame  Gurney  could  possibly  want  with  the 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  27 1 

Empress :  she  was  not  a  Quaker."  The  Empress 
had  her  own  religion,  and  Madame  Gurney  had  hers, 
and  it  was  not  likely  she  could  convert  her.  R. 
Alsop  assured  him  that  I  had  no  wish  to  make  a 
Quaker  of  her;  that  I  merely  offered  the  visit  in 
a  feeling  of  Christian  interest ;  that  all  we  asked 
was  that  the  Empress  might  see  the  note,  and 
then,  if  she  did  not  wish  to  receive  us,  we  should 
be  quite  satisfied.  At  last  he  permitted  the  note 
should  be  delivered,  and  we  should  have  an  answer 
about  five  o'clock  that  evening.  But  about  half- 
past  two  a  special  messenger  was  sent  from  the 
Empress,  with  a  note  to  me  from  the  Baron,  say- 
ing the  Empress  would  see  me  next  morning, — the 
hour  would  be  indicated  at  a  later  period.  In  the 
evening  we  had  a  meeting  at  the  chapel,  which  I 
felt  to  be  a  very  important  one,  and  the  preparatory 
baptism  was  almost  as  much  as  I  knew  how  to  bear. 
There  was  a  large  congregation,  and  after  a  short 
but  solemn  silence  I  rose  with  the  words,  "  And 
they  shall  come  from  the  east  and  from  the  west, 
from  the  north  and  from  the  south,  and  shall  sit 
down  in  the  kingdom  of  God,"  which  we  afterward 
found  was  very  applicable,  as  there  were  present 
Russians,  Germans,  French,  Italians,  Irish,  English, 
Scotch,  Dutch,  Swiss,  Vaudois,  and  Americans.  I 
believe  I  may  say  the  meeting  was  owned  by  the 


2^2       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

Great  Head  of  the  Church.  The  people  were  as 
quiet  and  attentive  as  possible.  This  meeting  was 
an  inexpressible  relief  to  me.  Early  the  next  morn- 
ing came  a  note  from  our  friend  the  Baron,  to  say 
the  Empress  would  receive  us  at  half-past  twelve. 
R.  and  C.  Alsop  went  with  me,  intending  to  go  in, 
if  they  were  not  forbidden.  We  were  soon  shown 
up  into  an  ante-room,  and  in  a  few  minutes  a  very 
tall  and  stately-looking  lady  stood  before  us.  We 
could  not  doubt  for  a  moment  who  she  was,  for  her 
whole  presence  was  that  of  an  Empress.  She  in- 
stantly took  my  hand  and  led  me  into  her  private 
drawing-room,  R.  and  C.  following,  but  leaving  the 
astonished  attendants  behind. 

Very  soon  she  began  speaking  about  our  meeting 
the  evening  before,  and  said  some  of  her  people  had 
attended.  She  spoke  of  my  sister  Fry,  and  of 
women's  preaching,  which  she  could  not  exactly 
understand;  but  she  said,  "  You  can  hardly  remem- 
ber her,  you  are  so  very  young."  I  assured  her  I 
was  turned  of  fifty,  at  which  she  expressed  great 
surprise,  and  told  two  of  her  ladies  afterwards  as  a 
thing  not  to  be  believed.  In  the  first  place,  she  told 
us  of  her  irreparable  loss  with  much  feeling.  She 
said  the  Emperor  was  the  noblest  of  men,  and  that 
she  had  not  ceased  to  mourn  for  him  day  and  night, — 
in  fact,  that  she  often  prayed  that  her  life  might  be 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  273 

taken,  she  felt  so  desolate  without  him, — that  they 
had  not  lived  together  as  Emperor  and  Empress,  but 
as  husband  and  wife.  She  looked  very  pale  and  ill, 
and  so  full  of  feeling  as  truly  to  excite  our  sym- 
pathy ;  but  it  was  no  easy  matter  to  address  her  as 
a  minister  just  after  she  had  expressed  her  astonish- 
ment that  women  should  ever  be  called  upon  to 
preach.  In  this  critical  moment  my  gracious  Lord 
did  not  forsake  me.  Indeed,  I  believe  if  ever  I  was 
empowered  to  preach  the  gospel,  it  was  on  this  in- 
teresting occasion.  I  soon  perceived  the  Empress 
was  in  tears,  and  after  I  had  addressed  her  for  about 
two  minutes  or  more,  we  sat  together  in  solemn 
silence  for  a  little  time,  when  she  came  to  me  very 
kindly  and  kissed  me  on  both  cheeks,  thanking  me 
for  the  visit,  and  expressing  a  desire  that  a  blessing 
might  descend  upon  it,  or,  as  I  believe,  she  said  that 
the  words  spoken  might  be  blessed  to  her.  She 
then  inquired  how  long  I  had  been  a  minister, 
whether  we  were  engaged  on  a  religious  mission, 
etc.,  and  was  much  interested  in  hearing  about  the 
Vaudois;  accepted  some  books  I  offered,  and  was 
surprised  to  find  that  Christine  was  a  Frenchwoman, 
as  she  spoke  English  so  correctly.  The  Empress 
herself  speaks  quite  fairly,  and  said  she  understood 
every  word  I  said,  because  I  spoke  so  "  simply  and 
so  distinctly." 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

On  the  whole  we  felt  deeply  interested  in  our 
visit,  and  my  heart  was  filled  with  sympathy  for  the 
poor  dear  Empress.  Suffice  it  to  say  that  our  visit 
to  Nice  was  full  of  intense  interest. 

E.  P.  G.  to  Josiah  Forster. 

CoNGENiES,  Twelfth  mo.  3d,  1856. 
.  .  .  When  we  called  to  take  leave,  they  were 
much  interested  in  telling  us  about  the  conclusion 
of  the  meeting  that  we  had  at  Nimes  on  First  day 
evening.  A  friend  of  Christine's  also  called  and 
gave  us  an  account  of  it.  It  appears  that  after  we 
came  away  the  people  still  kept  their  seats,  though 
one  or  two  persons  standing  round  the  pulpit  beck- 
oned them  toward  the  door.  For  a  little  time  they 
sat  in  profound  silence;  then  the  Methodist  minister 
asked  one  of  the  Evangelical  pastors  if  he  had  any- 
thing to  say  to  them,  on  which  he  immediately 
commenced  and  recapitulated  all  I  had  said,  com- 
mending it  to  their  serious  consideration,  and  ex- 
pressed an  earnest  desire  that  they  might  never 
forget  the  gospel  truths  that  had  been  proclaimed 
amongst  them.  Then  Jean  Monod  (a  pastor  whose 
praise  seems  to  be  in  all  their  churches)  offered  up 
fervent  prayer  that  a  blessing  might  descend  upon 
the  word  preached,  and  upon  us  and  our  gospel 
mission;  that  we  might  be  the  means  of  winning 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  275 

many  souls  unto  Christ,  etc.  They  said  it  was 
really  solemn  and  very  interesting,  because  they 
did  it  so  heartily,  and  they  could  not  but  wish  we 
had  been  there. 

I  had  quite  the  feeling  that  the  meeting  was  not 
over,  and  I  cannot  but  believe  that  these  dear  people 
spoke  from  right  authority.  Perhaps  our  not  being 
present  would  make  what  they  said  afterward  have 
even  more  effect. 

E.  P.  G.  to  Jane  Fox. 

CoNGENiES  (Gard),  Twelfth  mo.  i6th,  1856. 

I  must  go  back  to  Robert's  leaving  us  at  Nimes 
on  account  of  his  mother's  illness,  of  which  thou 
hast  no  doubt  heard,  It  was  rather  trying  to  part 
with  him,  but  we  were  thankful  to  be  in  the  midst  of 
our  friends  when  we  heard  the  sad  intelligence,  and 
a  day  or  two  after  he  left  we  got  a  nice  travelling 
carriage  and  came  to  this  place,  where  we  remained 
a  week,  attending  meetings  here  and  in  the  neigh- 
borhood, and  on  Third  day,  accompanied  by  a 
nephew  of  Christine's,  we  set  off  for  St.  Hippolite. 
I  had  asked  this  nephew  to  go  with  us,  thinking  it 
might  be  useful  to  him,  as  he  appeared  to  be  a  really 
nice,  intelligent  young  man,  though  neither  he  nor 
his  father  ever  think  of  going  to  a  place  of  worship 


2^6      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

from  one  year's  end  to  another,  and  yet  I  think  they 
are  nominally  Friends. 

On  Third  day  evening  we  reached  St.  Hippolite, 
and  a  tremendous  plunge  I  had  on  our  arrival  there, 
as  Christine  told  me,  if  I  wished  to  have  the  meetings 
I  had  spoken  of,  she  ought  to  write  at  once  and  have 
them  all  appointed ;  then  fancy  me  (my  mind  a 
perfect  blank,  and  feeling  just  as  if  I  might  never 
be  called  upon  to  minister  to  any  one)  fixing  to  have 
three  meetings,  beside  the  one  with  Friends  next 
morning  at  St.  Hippolite  ! 

Oh,  how  I  thought  of  our  dearest  one  saying 
"  her  soul  was  in  a  furnace"  in  seasons  such  as  this  ; 
for,  though  I  thought  the  expression  was  a  strong 
one  then,  I  now  quite  comprehend  it.  I  went  into 
the  room  to  Fanny  (who  is  as  kind  as  possible),  and 
told  her  I  believed  I  must  go  home, — I  could  not 
bear  this  burthen  any  longer.  However,  I  had  a 
peaceful  night,  and  the  meeting  with  the  Friends 
in  the  morning  was  quite  a  refreshment. 

At  Anduze  we  had  a  large  meeting, — three  or 
four  hundred  people  I  should  think  at  least, — and 
to  my  own  feelings  it  was  one  of  the  best  we  have 
held.  When  it  was  over  we  went  up  into  the  pas- 
tor's drawing-room,  which  was  just  above  (for  his 
chapel  is  in  his  own  house),  and,  to  our  great  sur- 
prise, it  was  full  of  people,  they  having  gone  up  by 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  277 

another  way.  It  seemed  impossible  to  keep  them 
from  falling  into  silence,  there  was  such  a  sweet  and 
solemn  covering  over  us,  and  presently  the  pastor 
came  to  me  with  an  urgent  request  to  have  a  meet- 
ing on  the  following  morning.  I  told  him  we  wished 
to  leave  at  eleven  o'clock,  and  as  we  had  engaged  to 
breakfast  with  him  and  his  wife  at  ten,  there  would 
be  no  opportunity  for  it,  beside  which  I  had  not 
thought  of  having  a  second  meeting  in  that  place. 
All  this  he  communicated  to  them,  but  they  said 
they  would  be  very  glad  to  come  at  nine  o'clock, 
and  seemed  so  earnest  about  it  that,  although  it  was 
truly  in  the  cross,  I  felt  I  dare  not  turn  away.  We 
have  several  times  been  solicited  to  hold  a  second 
meeting,  but  I  never  before  have  thought  it  was 
required  of  me  to  yield  to  the  request.  When  we 
arrived  in  the  morning  the  pastor's  room  was  full, 
and  a  sweet  and  solemn  time  we  had  together, 
after  which  we  went  to  Lasalle,  where  a  meeting 
was  appointed  for  the  evening  at  seven  o'clock ;  but 
about  half-past  six  the  pastor  (who  is  a  very  young 
man  and  a  converted  Catholic)  dispatched  his  ser- 
vant to  request  we  would  come  at  once,  for  the 
chapel  was  quite  full,  and  he  did  not  know  what  to 
do  with  the  people.  When  we  reached  his  house 
he  took  us  into  a  private  room,  and,  with  a  look  of 

much  anxiety,  wanted  to  know  how  we  commenced 

24 


2^8      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

our  meetings.  On  telling  him  "  in  silence,"  he 
seemed  quite  frightened,  and  said  he  was  very  much 
afraid  his  people  would  not  understand  it;  for,  al- 
though many  of  them  were  serious,  and  would  come 
from  a  desire  to  be  edified,  yet  there  were  others 
who  would  only  come  out  of  curiosity,  and  he  could 
not  answer  for  their  behavior.  Would  it  not  be 
better  to  begin  with  a  hymn  ?  etc.  I  told  him  I  did 
not  think  that  was  necessary,  that  we  had  generally 
found  there  was  a  Power  over  us  which  could  silence 
them  without  the  intervention  of  man,  and  I  believed 
we  might  trust  it  on  the  present  occasion. 

Accordingly  we  walked  into  the  chapel,  and  the 
moment  we  made  our  appearance,  though  the  people 
were  so  much  crowded  that  many  were  obliged  to 
stand,  they  were  all  as  quiet  as  possible,  and  the 
silence  continued  to  be  profound  until  we  left  the 
house.  It  was  partly  perhaps  from  awe  and  aston- 
ishment, there  never  having  been  a  Friends'  meeting 
in  that  place  before,  but  I  never  witnessed  a  more 
serious  or  attentive  assembly.  The  pastor,  who  has 
been  instrumental  of  much  good  in  the  neighbor- 
hood, seemed  thoroughly  warmed  up,  and  congratu- 
lated us  on  the  successful  issue  of  the  undertaking, 
which  he  hoped  might  be  blessed  to  the  people. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


279 


E.  P.  G.  to  Josiah  Forster. 

St.  Etienne,  First  mo.  4th,  1857. 

On  Second  day  we  proceeded  [via  Nimes)  to  Va- 
lence, and  on  Third  day  morning  we  set  off  for  Pia- 
loux,  the  residence  of  Bertrand  Combe,  which  we 
found  most  difficult  of  access.  It  is  more  than  twelve 
miles  from  Valence,  and  the  roads  are  bad  at  best, 
but  now,  being  filled  with  snow,  we  were  compelled 
to  leave  the  carriage  and  walk  a  long  distance, 
though  the  weather  was  piercingly  cold.  However, 
a  warm  welcome  awaited  us,  and  we  remained  with 
that  interesting  family  until  Fifth  day.  On  Fourth 
day  afternoon,  at  my  request,  he  collected  his  neigh- 
bors, amounting  to  fifty  or  sixty,  and  I  do  not  re- 
member that  I  ever  was  more  sensible  of  the  over- 
shadowing wing  of  heavenly  love  than  on  that 
occasion.  The  next  morning  we  had  a  very  solemn 
and  tendering  opportunity  with  B.  C.'s  family,  in 
which  I  believe  we  were  every  one  of  us  brought  to 
tears.  The  whole  household  seem  devoted  to  the 
service  of  the  Lord.  Some  one  told  us  that  every 
servant  who  came  to  live  with  them  was  sure  to 
become  serious  before  they  left. 

On  Fifth  day  morning  we  came  on  to  Annonay  by 
way  of  Valence,  Bertrand  Combe  accompanying  us, 
with  man  and  horse  to  drag  us  through  the  snow, 


28o      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


for  several  miles.  Poor  Claude  Ruel  was  overjoyed 
at  seeing  us,  and  on  Sixth  day  we  had  some  interest- 
ing communication  with  him  and  the  two  or  three 
other  individuals  who  unite  with  Friends.  Truly 
simple  and  honest-hearted  Christians  we  found  them. 
Claude  himself  is  no  common  man,  remarkably 
shrewd  and  discerning,  uniting  the  wisdom  of  the 
serpent  with  the  harmlessness  of  the  dove.  In  the 
evening  we  had  a  meeting  with  the  "  Dissidents,"  or 
dissenters  from  the  National  Church,  held  in  their 
own  little  chapel.  There  were  nearly  two  hundred 
present,  and  some  of  them  sympathized  in  good  de- 
gree with  many  of  the  views  of  Friends.  After  we 
had  been  sitting  a  little  while  in  profound  silence, 
one  of  the  Darbyists  arose  and  said  he  felt  bound  to 
testify  against  the  ministry  of  women,  referring  the 
people  to  chapter  and  verse  in  the  Bible  to  prove 
they  were  forbidden  to  speak.  Having  borne  his 
testimony,  which  he  did  in  no  very  Christian  spirit, 
he  walked  out  of  the  meeting,  which  remained  as 
quiet  as  possible,  being  wholly  unmoved  by  what  he 
said. 

It  was  rather  curious  that  at  that  very  moment 
my  mind  was  dwelling  on  the  enmity  of  the  carnally- 
minded  Jews  to  the  spiritual  nature  of  the  gospel 
dispensation :  "  How  can  this  man  give  us  His  flesh 
to  eat?"  etc.,  and  in  connection  with  it  the  conver- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


281 


sation  of  our  Lord  with  the  woman  at  Jacob's  well, 
her  leaving  her  water-pot  and  going  into  the  city  to 
preach  Christ,  that  many  of  the  Samaritans  believed 
on  Him  because  of  her  word.  Having  understood 
very  little  that  he  said,  I  rose  directly  after  he  was 
gone  and  dwelt  some  time  on  the  subject,  as  I  after- 
wards found,  to  the  surprise  and  satisfaction  of  some 
of  the  company,  who  were  much  annoyed  by  the 
attempt  of  the  Darbyist  to  disturb  and  unsettle  the 
meeting.  I  think,  however,  it  will  all  be  overruled 
for  good,  as  there  were  several  present  who  some- 
times attend  the  reunions,  and  the  spirit  which  this 
man  manifested  may  tend  to  open  their  eyes.  I 
have  seldom  been  at  a  more  solemn  meeting;  per- 
haps the  solemnity  was  increased  by  this  singular 
circumstance,  as  no  one  appeared  to  sympathize 
with  the  zealous  opposer.  On  Seventh  day  noon 
we  came  to  St.  Etienne,  and  this  morning  we  have 
had  a  truly  interesting  meeting  with  the  little  flock 
of  serious-minded  people,  who  in  great  measure 
sympathize  with  Friends.  It  was  indeed  a  season 
of  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord.  There 
are  about  a  dozen  of  them  altogether,  and  we  felt 
that  to  most,  if  not  all,  we  could  extend  the  right 
hand  of  fellowship  and  own  them  as  brethren  in  the 
Lord.    One  young  man  in  particular  seems  to  be  an 

"  Israelite  indeed  in  whom  there  is  no  guile,"  and 

24* 


282      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

Strongly  attached  to  our  principles.  There  appears 
to  have  been  no  human  instrumentality  employed  in 
gathering  this  little  flock  to  the  simplicity  of  the 
truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus,  but  they  have  lately  been 
reading  some  of  our  books  with  much  interest.  The 
essay  on  "  Love  to  God"  they  spoke  of  as  being  very 
precious  to  them,  and  so  did  the  flock  at  Annonay. 

To-morrow  we  are  going  to  Lyons,  where  we  may 
spend  a  day  or  two,  from  thence  to  Paris,  and  if  we 
find  we  may  leave  Germany  till  warmer  weather,  we 
may  be  at  home  next  week. 

E.  P.  G.  to  Katharine  Backhouse. 

Paris,  First  mo.  13th,  1857. 
As  soon  as  I  arrived  in  Paris  I  felt  I  was  in  bonds 
and  dare  not  move,  though  we  were  greatly  longing 
to  get  on,  and  nothing  opening  at  first  made  the 
detention  still  more  trying  to  us.  I  felt  it  right, 
however,  to  invite  some  Christian  friends  to  meet  us 
here  last  evening,  and  a  choice  company  we  had, 
although  a  small,  select  one.  I  did  not  like  to  have 
the  notice  given  publicly,  and  now  I  find  there  are  a 
number,  even  in  this  hotel,  who  much  regret  they 
did  not  know  of  it.  A  gentleman  named  St.  Hilaire, 
who  is  said  to  be  one  of  the  first  men  in  France,  a 
professor  in  the  Sorbonne  and  a  true  evangelist, 
came  with  his  amiable  wife,  and  at  the  conclusion  of 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  283 

the  meeting,  after  we  had  been  sitting  in  profound 
silence  for  some  little  time,  he  offered  up  a  most 
solemn  prayer,  not  only  for  a  blessing  on  the  even- 
ing, and  that  our  thus  coming  together  might  be  for 
the  good  of  our  immortal  souls,  but  he  prayed  fer- 
vently that  the  Lord  of  the  vineyard  would  bless  the 
seed  that  had  been  sown  in  every  field  in  which  we 
had  been  laboring ;  that  He  would  bless  the  Society 
to  which  we  belonged  ;  that  His  choicest  blessings 
might  descend  upon  us  and  upon  every  mission  in 
which  He  might  be  pleased  to  employ  us.  It  was 
very  striking,  coming  from  such  a  man,  and  truly 
under  the  anointing.  Directly  afterward,  and  before 
we  sat  down,  the  Methodist  or  Wesleyan  minister 
offered  up  fervent  prayer,  so  that  it  was  a  truly 
solemn  opportunity.  At  Lyons  we  had  a  much 
larger  and  very  interesting  meeting, — four  or  five 
pastors  present,  who  seemed  very  cordial  afterwards. 

Fourth  day. 

We  spent  a  very  pleasant  evening  at  the  Coque- 
rels'.  He  is  an  uncommonly  interesting  man,  but 
slightly  tinctured  with  Unitarianism,  which  caused 
me  to  pass  through  some  suffering,  that  ended 
in  faithfully  preaching  the  unsearchable  riches  of 
Christ :  "  Take  heed  to  yourselves  and  to  the  flock," 
etc.  And  when,  after  sitting  a  short  time  in  silence,  he 
rose  and,  taking  me  by  the  hand,  said,  very  earnestly, 


284      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

"  Madame,  we  cannot  thank  you  for  what  you  have 
said,"  I  confess  I  was  a  little  frightened.  He  added, 
however,  directly,  But  I  sincerely  trust  we  shall 
profit  by  it.  You  have  spoken  truth  in  so  much 
love  and  with  such  sincerity,  we  cannot  help  re- 
ceiving it,  and  may  the  Lord  abundantly  bless  you, 
and  bless  your  labors  in  His  name !"  I  do  not  know 
when  I  have  met  with  a  person  of  a  more  lovely 
spirit.  He  is  very  popular  here  with  a  certain  class, 
and  all  speak  highly  of  him. 

The  magnificent  rooms  we  have  here  are  a  striking 
contrast  to  some  we  have  occupied.  I  am  afraid  I 
like  the  luxuries  of  life  too  well. 

Adele  Revel  to  E.  P.  G. 

La  Tour,  February  3d,  1857. 

Dear  and  precious  Friend, — It  was  indeed  a 
great  delight  to  me  yesterday  to  receive  a  letter  from 
dear  friend  Josiah  Forster,  announcing  your  safe 
arrival  in  England.  I  have  followed  you  with  my 
thoughts  ever  since  we  parted,  and  I  prayed  God 
that  He  would  keep  you  as  the  apple  of  His  eye, 
and  bring  you  safe  home,  doing  His  work  as  you 
went  along.  Oh,  may  you  have  been  the  means  of 
drawing  many  to  inquire  about  the  salvation  of  their 
souls,  and  strengthening  many  who  are  still  waver- 
ing between  the  world  and  Christ!  not  by  might, 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  285 

nor  by  power,  but  by  my  spirit,  saith  the  Lord, 
Yes,  that  earnest  waiting  to  be  made  an  instrument 
in  His  hands,  ascribing  all  the  glory  to  Him,  is  the 
way  we  can  best  glorify  and  serve  Him.  I  hope  it 
may  be  with  many  as  it  is  with  me:  your  visit  has 
left  a  fragrance  inexpressibly  sweet.  I  feel  that  I  am 
bound  to  you  with  a  tie  thaifwill  only  tighten  till  we 
meet  to  part  no  more.  It  does  me  good  to  recall  the 
sweet  communions  we  held  together,  to  dwell  upon 
them,  to  wait  in  silence  for  the  Spirit  to  seal  them 
upon  my  heart.  I  know  and  feel  that  you  continue 
to  pray  for  me,  that  I  may  be  kept  steadfast  in  the 
faith. 

In  the  Seventh  month,  1857,  E.  P.  Gurney  felt 
herself  once  more  constrained  to  visit  the  Continent 
on  a  similar  mission  to  that  of  the  preceding  year, 
Robert  and  Christine  Alsop  being  again  her  efficient 
helpers.  Their  route  this  time  lay  through  parts  of 
Switzerland  and  Germany. 

While  at  Potsdam  they  became  deeply  interested 
in  the  case  of  a  young  man  who  had  been  long  im- 
prisoned for  his  conscientious  refusal  to  bear  arms. 
Exerting  themselves  to  obtain  some  relief  for  him, 
they  were  finally  gratified  by  learning  that  he  had 
been  liberated  through  the  representations  they  had 
been  able  to  make  to  those  in  authority. 


286      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

A  remarkable  interview  with  the  royal  family  of 
Prussia  is  thus  described  by  E.  P.  G. : 

E.  P.  G.  to  J.  H.  Gurney  and  E.  Barclay. 

Rehme,  Seventh  mo.  25th,  1857. 

I  was  scarcely  able  to  be  off  the  sofa  till  Fifth 
day,  when,  thinking  we  must  really  make  a  start, 
and  yet  not  feeling  at  liberty  to  leave  Potsdam  with- 
out seeing  the  King,  by  the  advice  of  our  most  kind 
doctor,  we  concluded  to  drive  to  Sans  Souci  about 
ten  o'clock,  ask  for  the  Lord  Chamberlain,  and  send 
in  our  cards.  When  we  got  to  the  palace  door, 
we  saw  Count  Keller  standing  on  the  terrace,  and 
Robert  went  up  to  him  at  once ;  but  he  told  him 
the  King  was  fully  occupied,  and  could  not  even  be 
spoken  to  till  two  o'clock ;  that  they  were  not  at 
liberty  to  send  anything  in  after  he  had  commenced 
with  the  business  of  the  day.  Robert  asked  him  it 
there  was  any  probability  of  our  seeing  him  at  two 
o'clock ;  but  he  thought  it  very  doubtful,  as  many  of 
his  family  were  about  him  ;  and  Robert  returned  to 
the  carriage  quite  disheartened.  I  begged  him  to 
ask  Count  Keller  to  speak  to  me.  He  did  so,  and  I 
saw,  the  moment  he  took  me  by  the  han<^,  his  reso- 
lution was  shaken.  Perhaps  my  sad  and  pallid  coun- 
tenance made  him  relent,  perhaps  some  sense  was 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  287 

given  him  that  I  was  striving  to  obey  the  "King  of 
kings."  At  all  events  he  took  my  card  at  once,  and 
said  he  would  soon  ascertain  whether  His  Majesty 
had  really  commenced  his  business;  if  not,  he  would 
send  it  in.  Directly  the  coachman  was  beckoned  to 
drive  to  the  door;  the  good,  kind  count  was  there 
to  hand  me  out  and  offer  me  his  arm  into  the  ante- 
room, where  we  waited  about  five  minutes,  when  the 
King  appeared.  He  was  most  kind  and  cordial,  ex- 
claiming, as  he  took  my  hand,  "  The  prisoner  is  lib- 
erated, and  he  will  go  to  England."  He  then  spoke 
warmly  of  my  sister  Fry  and  the  dear  party  that 
accompanied  her  in  1841,  then  of  my  illness,  how  I 
liked  his  doctor,  etc.  "  But  I  will  call  the  Empress : 
she  wishes  to  see  you,  and  tells  me  you  are  an  old 
friend  of  hers, — she  saw  you  at  Nice."  While  he  was 
gone,  the  Chamberlain  told  us  that  it  was  in  conse- 
quence of  the  Empress  being  with  him  my  card  was 
sent  in.  If  she  had  not  been  there,  he  would  of 
course  have  been  engaged  in  business.  If  she  had 
not  been  there,  we  should  have  missed  the  oppor- 
tunity of  seeing  her,  and  this  I  should  greatly  have 
regretted.  Why  was  she  with  the  King  just  at  that 
moment  when  the  poor  Quakers  stood  before  the 
door?  "Whoso  is  wise  and  will  observe  these 
things,  even  they  shall  understand  the  loving  kind- 
ness of  the  Lord."    Directly  the  large  folding-doors 


288      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


were  opened,  and  certainly  the  scene  that  presented 
was  enough  to  dazzle  our  unpractised  eyes. 

The  King,  the  Queen,  the  Empress,  the  Grand 
Duke  Michael,  and  a  beautiful  Princess  of  Baden,  to 
whom  he  is  betrothed,  appeared  before  us.  The 
Empress  was  splendidly  attired  in  rich  white  silk 
with  lilac  flounces,  which  is,  I  have  been  told,  the 
Russian  mourning.  Her  tall,  elegant,  and  graceful 
figure  set  off  the  enormous  width  of  her  hooped 
skirts.  The  Queen  in  blue  and  white;  the  King 
dressed  like  a  private  gentleman,  except  perhaps  a 
little  extra  lacing  on  the  collar.  I  think  I  hardly 
ever  spent  so  much  time  in  describing  dress  before, 
but  really  the  picture  before  us  was  one  long  to  be 
remembered.  Two  ladies  in  waiting,  Count  Keller, 
and  the  aide-de-camp  filled  up  the  group.  The  Em- 
press raised  her  hands  on  seeing  me,  exclaiming, 
"  My  dear  friend !"  and  gave  me  both  her  cheeks  to 
kiss  very  affectionately.  Perhaps  that  is  hardly  the 
word,  as  she  is  remarkably  stately  and  dignified,  and 
not  very  warm  in  her  manner  by  any  means,  yet  to 
me  she  was  truly  kind,  saying,  "  You  must  sit  down  ; 
you  are  too  ill  to  stand."  And  seating  me  beside 
her  on  the  sofa,  she  asked  me  many  questions, — 
where  we  had  been,  how  long  I  had  been  ill,  etc., — 
saying  she  had  just  that  moment  heard  we  were  at 
Potsdam.    But  my  heart  was  too.  heavy  to  go  on,  so 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  289 

in  my  usual  rather  stupid  way,  which  she  did  not 
appear  to  observe,  I  said,  in  great  simphcity,  "  Will 
the  Empress  ask  the  King  if  we  may  sit  in  silence  ?" 
not  thinking  of  her  leaving  her  seat.  However,  she 
jumped  up  directly  and  went  to  the  other  side  of  the 
room,  where  the  King  was,  and  in  a  moment  he  was 
looking  about  for  a  chair,  for,  as  they  always  stand  in 
the  royal  presence,  there  were  only  a  very  few  in  the 
room.  All  this  I  learned  from  Christine  afterwards, 
as  I  was  too  much  absorbed  by  my  own  feelings  to 
observe  what  passed  around  me. 

We  fell  at  once  into  a  solemn  silence,  and  I  think 
I  may  truly  say  I  was  helped  by  my  gracious  Lord 
to  declare  His  truth,  being  remarkably  without  any 
might  or  power  of  my  own.  With  the  Empress  on 
one  side,  and  the  King  on  the  other,  I  felt  just  as 
quiet  and  composed  as  I  did  in  the  cell  of  the  pris- 
oner, and  was  enabled  fully  to  relieve  my  mind,  ad- 
dressing them  for  nearly  half  an  hour,  without  inter- 
pretation of  course,  as  they  all  speak  English.  A 
profound  silence  reigned  whilst  I  was  speaking,  and 
for  some  minutes  afterwards,  and  then  the  King 
seized"  my  hand  and  said,  with  much  emotion,  "  I 
thank  you  a  thousand  times  for  your  good  desires 
for  me.  May  all  the  blessings  you  have  asked  for 
me  come  down  upon  your  own  head  a  hundredfold. 
God  bless  you  !    God  bless  you  !"    We  were  now 

25 


2go      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

Standing,  and  the  Empress  put  her  arm  round  the 
King's  neck  and  kissed  him  in  the  most  affectionate 
and  sisterly  manner.  It  was  a  striking  scene.  She 
also  evinced  much  feeling,  and  said  to  me,  very 
kindly,  "  I  am  so  glad  to  have  met  you  again."  The 
sweet  Princess  of  Baden  came  up  and  kissed  me 
warmly,  and  the  Grand  Duke  shook  hands  with  me 
in  the  kindest  manner,  and  with  great  simplicity,  re- 
minding me  a  little  of  Sir  Edward  Buxton,  though 
not  at  all  resembling  him  in  person,  being  a  well- 
bronzed  Russian  of  the  hardier  sort.  The  Queen 
appeared  to  me  the  least  impressible,  but  she  is  very 
open  and  good-tempered,  apparently  forgetting  she 
is  a  Queen  herself,  and  suffering  others  to  forget  it 
also.  She  .spoke  to  me  about  my  sister  Fry,  and 
said  she  "  loved  her  dearly ;"  and  Christine  says  she 
questioned  her  about  our  darling  Anna,  and  seemed 
much  interested  in  hearing  of  her  precious  boy,  say- 
ing she  well  remembered  her,  and  Bessie  also.  After 
spending  about  three-quarters  of  an  hour  with  this 
singularly  interesting  party,  we  took  our  leave,  the 
Empress  again  giving  me  her  cheeks  to  kiss,  and 
begging  me  to  remember  her  in  my  prayers.  Poor 
dear !  she  looks  less  oppressed  with  grief  than  when 
I  saw  her  before,  but  still  she  is,  I  am  sure,  a  thor- 
ough mourner.  Had  I  been  well  enough  to  see  the 
King  when  I  first  proposed  it,  I  should  have  missed 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  29 1 

this  interview  with  her,  as  she  did  not  arrive  at  Pots- 
dam until  two  days  afterwards,  so  that  surely  I  may 
say  with  the  apostle, In  all  things  I  am  instructed." 
It  is  now  the  27th  of  the  month,  and  my  letter  is  not 
yet  off,  and  I  find  there  are  one  or  two  things  I 
omitted  to  tell  thee.  One  is  that  when  we  came  to 
settle  with  our  kind  physician  he  quite  declined  re- 
ceiving anything,  but  asked  how  to  spell  my  name, 
and  said  he  must  make  his  report  to  the  King;  so 
thou  seest  I  was  in  fact  a  royal  patient.  However, 
of  course,  before  we  left  the  place  we  sent  the  kind 
doctor  a  present.  I  liked  him  very  much,  and  can- 
not but  believe  he  is  a  serious  man. 

E.  P.  Gurney  had  long  felt  desirous  of  paying  a 
visit  of  sympathy  to  the  ex-Queen  of  the  French, 
the  widow  of  Louis  Philippe,  and  her  grandsons,  at 
Claremont.  This  she  was  enabled  to  accomplish,  in 
company  with  her  friend  John  Hodgkin,  in  the 
Seventh  month,  1858.  The  following  is  part  of  her 
description  of  this  occasion  : 

E.  P.  G.  to  Lady  Buxton. 

Seventh  mo.  20th,  1858. 
.  .  .  We  were  first  ushered  into  an  anteroom, 
and  presently  the  Countess,  ...  a  very  agreeable 
person,  appeared,  and  conducted  us  into  a  large  and 


292       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

pleasant-looking  drawing-room,  where  we  conversed 
about  five  minutes,  and  then  the  poor  dear  sorrow- 
stricken  Queen  made  her  appearance.  I  don't  know 
why,  but  I  felt  touched  at  seeing  her,  she  looked  so 
pale  and  altered ;  and  then  it  was  not  easy  to  forget 
that  four  of  the  small  company  who  met  at  Neuilly 
were  gone,  and  would  be  seen  of  men  no  more, — in 
fact,  that  we  two  were  the  only  ones  remaining. 
She  took  me  by  the  hand  very  affectionately,  and 
led  me  to  a  chair,  at  the  same  time  requesting  John 
Hodgkin  to  be  seated,  whom  I  introduced  as  the 
brother  of  Dr.  Hodgkin ;  and  she  directly  said, 
"  Ah,  he  is  a  very  clever  doctor :  he  is  so  good  for 
my  son."  Very  soon  the  Queen  made  some  allu- 
sion to  our  visit  to  Neuilly  in  1843,  which  she 
seemed  to  remember  well,  spoke  of  my  sister  Fry 
and  her  works  of  charity  with  animation ;  and  now 
she  said,  **You  are  following  in  her  footsteps,"  which 
I  disclaimed.  But  she  persisted  in  it,  saying,  "  Yes, 
you  are ;  you  go  about  doing  good,  and  so  did  she, 
and  now  I  hear  you  are  going  to  America."  I  had 
previously  made  some  allusion  to  the  loss  they 
had  met  with,  expressing  my  hearty  sympathy, 
which  was  kindly  and  gratefully  received.  The 
tears  came  in  her  eyes  as  she  said,  "  Ah,  you  are 
very  kind.  She  was  a  great  loss  for  me.  And  then 
there  were  two  in  six  months, — two  in  six  months," 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEV.  293 

she  repeated,  with  much  feeling,  referring  to  the 
Duchess  de  Nemours.  I  presently  mentioned  her 
grandsons,  inquiring  how  they  were.  She  replied, 
"They  are  very  well,"  and  added,  to  my  great  relief, 
they  are  both  here."  I  ventured  to  ask  if  we  could 
see  them,  adding  that  the  duchess  had  regretted  they 
were  not  at  home  when  I  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing 
her  at  Sestri.  She  said  they  were  very  much  occu- 
pied in  preparing  for  their  Continental  journey,  as 
they  intended  to  set  out  the  following  day  but  one ; 
she  would,  however,  send  to  inquire  if  they  could 
come  down  for  a  little  while,  and  requested  John 
Hodgkin  to  ring  the  bell.  It  was  answered  imme- 
diately, and  she  spoke  m.ost  politely  to  the  servant, 
desiring  him  to  be  so  good  as  to  inform  her  grand- 
sons that  Madame  Gurney  was  here,  and  would  like 
to  see  them.  Almost  directly  the  Comte  de  Paris 
made  his  appearance.  I  was  quite  struck  with  the 
amiability  and  frankness  of  his  manner  as  he  came 
toward  me  and  shook  hands  cordially;  and  when  I 
made  an  allusion  to  his  mother,  he  said,  "  Oh,  yes, 
I  have  often  heard  her  speak  of  you;  and  I  was 
very  sorry  not  to  be  at  home  when  you  were  there." 
On  hearing  that  J.  Hodgkin  was  Dr.  Hodgkin's 
brother,  he  shook  hands  warmly  with  him,  saying  he 
knew  the  doctor,  and  that  he  had  met  him  lately. 

He  asked  how  long  I  had  been  in  Italy,  Germany, 

25* 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

etc.,  and  presently  the  Due  de  Chartres  appeared, 
who  also  greeted  us  in  a  most  friendly  manner. 
My  heart  was  heavy  laden  all  this  time,  and  I  felt 
I  could  do  nothing  else  but  ask  for  silence,  which 
the  Queen  very  kindly  granted  us,  observing  that 
her  grandsons'  time  was  closely  occupied,  and  they 
could  not  remain  very  long;  on  which  I  said  I 
hoped  that  I  should  not  improperly  detain  them,  but 
was  quite  reassured  by  the  emphatic  answer  of  the 
dear  young  Count :  Not  at  all,  not  at  all,  I  assure 
you."  We  then  fell  into  solemn  silence,  and  I  think 
I  may  say  I  was  strengthened  by  that  gracious 
Saviour,  who  is  a  present  help  in  every  time  of  need, 
completely  to  relieve  my  burthened  mind,  both  to 
the  Queen  and  to  those  two  dear  young  men, 
toward  whom  I  felt  remarkably  attracted.  The 
Queen  looked  very  serious,  and  bowed  her  head 
repeatedly  in  token  of  assent  while  I  was  speaking ; 
and  afterwards  she  thanked  me  warmly  for  my  good 
desires  for  them,  saying  very  earnestly,  "  Pray  for 
me,  pray  for  my  children,  pray  for  my  grandchil- 
dren," motioning  toward  them  as  she  spoke.  Some 
allusion  had  been  made  to  the  probability  of  our 
never  meeting  in  this  world  again,  and  the  hope 
expressed  that,  through  the  riches  of  redeeming 
mercy,  we  might  all  re-assemble  round  the  Throne, 
to  which  she  thoroughly  responded,  saying,  "  That  is 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  295 

the  happy  meeting-place ;  there  is  no  parting  there," 
or  words  to  this  effect.  John  Hodgkin  set  his  seal 
impressively  to  what  I  had  communicated,  and  made 
a  few  appropriate  remarks ;  and  then  the  Comte  de 
Paris  and  the  Due  de  Chartres  both  thanked  us 
warmly  for  the  kind  interest  we  had  manifested. 
Not  knowing  how  to  address  them,  I  had  said,  "My 
dear  young  friends,  if  you  will  so  allow  me  to  call 
you and  directly  after  the  opportunity  was  over 
the  Count  most  kindly  took  my  hand,  and  said  with 
earnestness,  "Yes,  you  may  call  us  your  dear  friends, 
for  you  have  been  true  friends  to  us,  and  we  do  thank 
you  very  much."  The  Due  de  Chartres  then  took 
my  other  hand,  saying,  "  We  are  so  much  obliged 
to  you."  And  as  I  stood  between  those  dear  young 
men,  holding  a  hand  of  each,  I  really  felt  a  hearty 
love  for  them,  and,  making  some  allusion  to  their 
sainted  mother,  which  they  both  seemed  to  feel,  I 
expressed  in  a  few  words  my  heartfelt  prayer  even 
that  the  best  of  blessings  might  descend  upon  them. 
Thus  ended  this  deeply  interesting  interview,  and 
we  left  Claremont  with  a  feeling  of  peace  and  relief 
which  we  could  indeed  acknowledge  to  be  an  abund- 
ant compensation  for  the  effort  and  exercise  this  visit 
had  cost  us. 


2q6     memoir  and  correspondence  of 


E.  p.  G.  to  J.  K.  Clarke. 

Earlham  Road. 
My  very  dear  Sister, — It  is  indeed  a  favor,  and 
one  which  I  desire  to  be  thankful  for,  to  be  permitted 
once  again  to  date  my  letters  from  this  peaceful 
home,  after  an  absence  of  four  months,  and  many 
heights  and  depths  and  sparing  mercies.  How 
great  is  the  goodness  of  our  Father  in  heaven  to 
His  unworthy  children  !  I  rather  shrank  from  re- 
turning to  my  desolate  habitation  without  one  kin- 
dred heart  to  welcome  me ;  but  I  had  two  nice 
young  French  companions,  and  the  maids  came  out 
to  meet  me,  looking  so  neat  and  nice  in  their  light 
muslin  dresses,  and  all  seemed  so  pleased  to  see 
their  mistress  safe  at  home  again ;  but,  above  all, 
such  an  unusual  flood  of  heavenly  peace  was  poured 
into  my  heart  that,  as  I  roamed  about  the  velvet 
lawn  and  flowery  garden,  I  felt  indeed  I  could 
adopt  the  language,  We  are  abundantly  satisfied 
with  the  goodness  of  Thy  house.  Thou  hast  made 
us  to  drink  of  the  river  of  Thy  pleasures." 

With  the  foregoing  and  some  other  religious  ser- 
vice, E.  P.  Gurney's  mission  abroad  seemed  to  be 
accomplished,  and  on  the  28th  of  the  Eighth 
month,  1858,  she  took  her  final  leave  of  England, 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  297 

followed,  as  before,  by  the  loving  remembrance  of 
her  relatives  and  friends  in  that  land,  as  evinced 
by  their  letters  of  affectionate  interest. 

Katharine  Backhouse  to  E.  P.  G. 

Twelfth  mo.  29th,  1858. 
.  .  .  Now  the  time  draws  near  for  this  to  go  to 
the  post,  and  what  more  can  I  say  to  thee,  beloved 
one,  but  "  grace,  mercy,  and  peace  be  with  thee," 
through  Him  who  has  loved  thee  and  given  Himself 
for  thee  ?  Oh,  blessed  provision  for  all  who  love 
the  Saviour  in  truth  and  sincerity !  Here  thou  and 
I  may  meet,  if  nowhere  else. 

Esther  Seebohm  to  E.  P.  G. 

Third  mo.  27th,  1859. 

...  I  have  long  deferred  the  expression  of  the 
grateful  sense  of  thy  various  kindnesses,  which  lives 
in  my  heart,  and  often  brings  thee  in  vivid  colors 
before  me,  not  only  as  the  generous  friend,  the  sym- 
pathizer in  the  trials  of  the  earthly  pilgrimage,  but 
as  the  messenger  of  comfort  and  instruction,  the 
advocate  of  the  great  and  glorious  cause.  These, 
in  looking  round,  seem  few  and  far  between  ;  and 
the  thought  that  thou  art  no  longer  one  of  us  in 
person,  though  still  near  in  spirit,  is  not  one  we  like 
to  entertain.    But  we  know  thou  art  amongst  those 


2^8      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

whom  thou  loves  and  serves,  and  who  greatly  need 
thy  sympathy  and  encouragement ;  therefore  in  this, 
and  all  other  things,  be  it  ours  to  say,  "  The  will  of 
the  Lord  be  done." 

E.  P.  Gurney  continued  diligent  in  the  exercise  of 
her  precious  gift  in  the  ministry,  both  in  her  own 
meeting  and  in  several  visits  to  neighboring  Yearly 
and  other  meetings.  Of  most  of  these  but  few 
memoranda  are  to  be  found.  The  following  letter 
refers  to  one  of  these  engagements  : 

W.  J.  AUinson  to  E.  P.  G. 

First  mo.  i6th,  i860. 

How  often,  dear  friend,  I  have  thanked  God  for 
thee,  that  He  has  enabled  thee  so  truly  to  maintain 
the  sacred  trust  given  thee  as  the  partner  of  such  an 
one !  His  reputation,  safe  in  the  Record-book  on 
high,  is  in  another  sense  safe  in  thy  keeping,  and  no 
words  can  tell  the  tenderness  of  feeling  with  which 
we  associate  the  two  links,  one  bright  in  the  ineffable 
glory,  the  other  kept  bright  amid  the  tarnishing  in- 
fluences of  time,  through  Him  "  who  is  a  crown  of 
glory  and  ^  diadem  of  beauty  to  the  residue  of  His 
people." 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


299 


Thomas  Evans  to  E.  P.  G. 

Fifth  mo.  1 2th,  i860. 

It  was  no  surprise  to  me  to  hear  thou  wert  going 
from  home.  It  came  vividly  before  me  while  con- 
fined to  my  bed,  about  Yearly  Meeting  time,  and 
brought  me  into  near  feeling  with  thee.  I  was  ready 
to  wonder  at  my  feelings,  and  almost  to  call  them 
into  question  as  the  working  of  a  lively  imagination. 
Well,  my  friend,  go  on  in  thy  simplicity ;  and  though 
thou  may  seem  to  have  neither  scrip  nor  staff,  bow 
nor  spear,  yet,  trusting  in  the  God  of  Israel,  He 
will  be  thy  shield  and  buckler,  give  thee  the  gospel 
sling  and  the  smooth  stone  from  Shiloh's  gentle 
brook,  guide  them  by  His  eye,  and  make  them 
effective  through  the  power  of  His  own  spirit. 
What  a  mercy  that  we  poor,  short-sighted  creatures 
are  not  obliged  to  plan  and  contrive  and  carry  out 
our  work  for  ourselves,  but  have  a  gracious  Master 
who  goes  before,  opens  the  way  and  appoints  the 
work,  and  clearly  shows  what  it  is,  and  then  gives 
wisdom  and  strength  to  perform  it,  so  that  we  have 
no  need  to  puzzle  or  trouble  ourselves  about  it, 
but  simply  follow  His  leading  and  do  His  bidding! 
Do  not  let  in  any  doubts  or  reasonings,  but  just 
go  quietly  on,  trusting  in  and  leaning  wholly  on 
Him,  and  He  will  bring  thee  safely  through,  and 


30O      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

cause  thee  in  humble  gratitude  to  set  up  thy  Eb- 
enezer. 

E.  P.  Gurney's  beloved  friend  and  relative,  John 
Hodgkin,  was  at  this  time  engaged  in  extensive  re- 
ligious service  in  this  country,  making  West  Hill  a 
point  of  occasional  resort  when  his  duties  permitted, 
to  their  mutual  comfort  and  refreshment.  Allusion 
is  made  in  the  following  letter  to  one  of  these  visits : 

E.  P.  G.  to  C.  W.  Stroud. 

Fifth  mo.  13th,  1861. 
We  have  just  said  farewell  to  our  friends  in  a  feel- 
ing of  true  peace,  after  a  precious  parting  opportu- 
nity,— a  "  season  of  refreshing  from  the  presence  of 
the  Lord."  What  shall  we  render  unto  Him  for  all 
His  benefits  ?  for  this  fresh  token  of  His  loving 
care  in  sending  to  His  weary  heritage  a  publisher  of 
peace,  a  bringer  of  glad  tidings,  declaring  unto  Zion 
and  to  Zion's  children,  "  Thy  God  reigneth"  ?  I  can- 
not describe  the  deep  and  varied  interest  of  his  visit 
here, — the  public  meetings,  the  family  visiting,  the 
precious  opportunities,  both  social  and  religious, 
which  have  been  graciously  vouchsafed  to  us  in  our 
peaceful  domicile,  the  quietude  and  repose  of  which, 
he  said,  had  been  a  true  enjoyment  to  him ;  and  he 
does  not  leave  us  with  any  feeling  of  not  seeing  us 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  30 1 

again.  The  meeting  at  Mount  Holly  was  crowded 
and  a  remarkable  occasion.  At  Rancocas  we  have 
heard  it  was  a  striking  time. 

A  painful  affection  of  the  eyes  and  head,  often 
known  as  "  rose  cold,"  which  was  aggravated  by  the 
luxuriant  vegetation  of  West  Hill,  rendered  it  desira- 
ble for  E.  P.  Gurney  to  seek  a  sea-shore  resort  during 
the  summer  months.  With  this  view  she  erected  a 
beautiful  and  commodious  cottage  at  Atlantic  City, 
on  the  New  Jersey  coast,  commanding  an  extensive 
view  of  the  ocean,  and  swept  by  its  health-giving 
breezes.  To  this  delightful  retreat,  which  she  called 
Earlham  Lodge,  she  continued  to  repair  every  sum- 
mer during  the  remainder  of  her  life,  finding  com- 
pensation for  her  voluntary  exile  in  greatly  increased 
vigor  and  comfort,  and,  with  her  unfailing  hospital- 
ity, sharing  the  benefit  she  received  with  numerous 
relatives  and  friends,  who  came  at  her  generous 
bidding  in  almost  constant  succession. 

Nor  was  she  unmindful  in  her  retirement  of  her 
higher  duties.  Atlantic  City  had  at  this  time  a  large 
floating  population  and  various  places  of  public 
worship,  but  no  established  meeting  of  Friends,  al- 
though many  of  that  denomination  were  among  its 
visitors.   A  little  congregation  of  these  had  for  three 

or  four  years  been  accustomed  to  gather  on  First 

26 


302       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

day  during  the  summer  in  the  cottage  of  John  M. 
Whitall,  kindly  offered  for  their  reception.  E.  P. 
Gurney  felt  it  incumbent  upon  her  to  open  her  spa- 
cious parlors  to  those  who  felt  disposed  to  sit  down 
with  her  for  divine  worship  on  First  day  morning, 
after  the  manner  of  Friends,  and  large  companies 
frequently  availed  themselves  of  the  privilege.  One 
of  her  nieces  describes  these  meetings  as  "  often 
crowded  with  a  mixed  company  of  gay,  fashionable 
people,  mingling  there  with  simple  Quakers,  all  ap- 
pearing solemnized  and  impressed,  both  by  the  silent 
worship  and  the  loving,  powerful  appeals  to  accept 
the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus.  Many  were  the  sorrow- 
ing, heavy-laden  hearts  that  were  comforted  and 
cheered." 

The  notice  of  E.  P.  Gurney  by  J.  B.  Braithwaite, 
before  referred  to,  quotes  from  one  of  her  own  letters 
as  follows  : 

"  I  can  hardly  tell  thee  what  these  meetings  are 
to  me, — both  our  large  parlors  and  the  hall  packed 
closely  every  First  day  morning,  and  myself  feeling 
so  poor  and  weak  to  be  made  an  instrument  in  feed- 
ing the  multitude.  But  I  am  bound  in  gratitude  to 
say  that  the  great  Minister  of  ministers  makes  Him- 
self known  amongst  us,  blesses  the  bread  and  breaks 
it,  and  condescends  to  employ  one  of  the  most  un- 
worthy of  His  servants  to  hand  it  to  the  almost 


ELIZA  F.  GURNEY.  303 

famished  ones,  of  whom  there  are  not  a  few  in  this 
vicinity,  weary  of  forms  and  panting  for  the  sub- 
stance. With  such  as  these  we  have  sometimes  been 
permitted  to  sit  down,  as  at  the  table  of  the  Lord, 
enjoying  true  communion,  and  realizing  that  the 
blood  of  Jesus  Christ  cleanseth  from  all  sin." 


E.  P.  G.  to  Thomas  Evans. 

.  .  .  Thy  sympathy  with  my  religious  exercises  is 
truly  helpful  to  me,  for  no  one  but  my  heavenly 
Father  knows  the  depths  that  I  have  passed  through 
in  this  place  year  after  year.  These  never  have  been 
greater  than  the  present  summer,  when  people  of  all 
classes  and  denominations  come  thronging  into  our 
parlors  till  they  are  quite  filled.  The  last  two  weeks 
our  meetings  were  unusually  crowned  by  a  remark- 
able solemnity. 

.  .  .  And  now,  my  dear  friend,  I  may  tell  thee 
that  the  encouragement  contained  in  thy  letter  was 
truly  helpful  to  me  in  discharging  what  I  felt  to  be 
my  duty  in  one  of  the  most  exercising  meetings  I 
have  yet  attended.  But,  oh !  how  all  that  is  within 
me  shrinks  from  this  continuous  labor,  except  in- 
deed the  earnest  wish  to  be  found  fully  faithful  to 
my  God.  I  had  not  the  least  anticipation  of  this 
sort  of  service  in  coming  here,  and  it  is  so  unlike 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

my  home  experience.  But  I  suppose  the  constant 
changes  in  the  gatherings  at  this  place,  in  part  at 
least,  account  for  this ;  and  I  can  truly  say  the  only 
time  I  have  felt  condemnation  was  when  I  wilfully 
resolved  on  one  occasion  to  hold  my  peace  ;  and  there 
were  several  there  to  whom  I  never,  in  all  human 
probability,  shall  be  again  permitted  to  declare  the 
blessed  tidings  of  salvation  through  a  risen  Lord. 

I  thought  thou  ought  to  know  how  much  thou 
hadst  helped  and  comforted  a  poor,  weak,  faltering 
sister  by  the  abounding  consolation  wherewith,  I  do 
believe,  thou  hast  thyself  been  comforted  of  God. 

Thomas  Evans  to  E.  P.  G. 

Philadelphia,  Eighth  mo.  21st,  1862. 
My  beloved  Friend, — It  has  given  me  pleasure 
to  learn  that  thy  sea-side  home  has  proved  a  means 
of  relief  from  some  of  the  distress  in  thy  eyes  ;  and 
I  doubt  not  the  benefit  it  has  enablecl  thee  to  confer 
on  others,  by  the  exercise  of  a  generous  and  noble 
hospitality,  bringing  not  a  few  within  the  healthful 
influence  of  ocean  breezes  who  would  not  otherwise 
have  partaken  of  them,  affords  thee  solid  satisfaction. 
If  there  is  anything  that  renders  wealth  desirable,  it 
is  the  pleasure  it  confers  by  thus  benefiting  others; 
but  too  often,  when  the  means  are  possessed,  the 
open  heart  and  liberal  hand  thus  to  employ  it  are 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  305 

wanting.  Go  on,  my  dear  friend,  in  thy  Christian 
munificence,  and  a  blessing  will  attend  it.  I  have 
received  some  very  interesting  accounts  of  your 
religious  meetings.  The  burden  must  rest  heavily 
on  thee  and  our  dear  friends,  J.  M.  and  M.  Whitall ; 
but  don't  shrink  from  it,  for  if  only  one  soul  is  helped 
on  its  way  heavenward  the  reward  will  be  abundant, 
and  he  that  watereth  others  shall  be  watered  himself 
.  .  .  Some  memorable  instances  of  strangers,  at- 
tracted by  curiosity,  being  unexpectedly  arrested, 
and  broken  and  contrited  to  many  tears,  have  lately 
come  under  my  notice;  so  that  I  am  prepared  to  say. 
Go  on  in  faith,  following  the  leadings  of  the  Good 
Shepherd.  "  In  the  morning  sow  thy  seed,  and  in 
the  evening  withhold  not  thine  hand,"  whenever 
the  Master  bids ;  for  thou  knowest  not  which  shall 
prosper,  this  or  that.  And  the  promise  is  sure  that 
"  His  word  shall  not  return  unto  Him  void,  but  shall 
prosper  in  that  whereto  He  sends  it." 

Thomas  Evans  to  E.  P.  G. 

Tenth  mo.  i6th,  1862. 

.  .  .  The  Lord's  ways  are  not  as  our  ways,  nor 
His  thoughts  as  ours.  He  works  by  means  which 
to  human  apprehension  seem  foolish  and  despicable, 
but  being  of  His  ordering,  and  sanctified  by  His 

spirit,  they  are  fruitful  of  holiness,  and  no  flesh  can 

26* 


3o6      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

glory  in  them.  We  need  have  no  fear  or  anxiety 
as  to  the  result  of  means  which  He  appoints,  weak 
and  inadequate  as  they  may  seem  to  us.  How 
precious  is  that  word  of  ancient  declaration  to  the 
soul  that  is  emptied  of  itself  and  of  all  sense  of 
good:  "  My  God  shall  supply  all  your  need,  accord- 
ing to  His  riches  in  glory,  by  Christ  Jesus.  Be  of 
good  cheer,  and  go  on  in  faith,  nothing  doubting." 
.  .  .  Thy  precious  letter  was  as  welcome  as  it  was 
unexpected,  and  I  felt  really  obliged  to  thee  for 
making  the  effort  to  write  it.  I  derived  comfort 
from  the  fact  that  thy  feelings  were  so  much  like 
those  I  had  been  laboring  under,  and  to  me  thou 
wast  made  a  messenger  of  consolation.  Ah,  what 
a  mystery  this  is  to  the  men  of  this  world, — that 
when  poor  and  needy,  and  destitute  of  nearly  all 
sense  of  good,  the  servant  of  Christ  is  yet  made  the 
minister  of  good  to  others,  and,  after  watering  them, 
has  to  return  again,  perhaps,  to  her  own  feeling  of 
drought  and  emptiness !  Is  it  not  a  striking  and 
convincing  proof  that  the  service  is  of  the  Lord,  and 
not  of  man's  contrivance  ?  Be  encouraged,  my  dear 
sister,  to  wait  upon  thy  gift ;  diligently  occupy  it,  and 
thou  wilt  reap  the  rewar^. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

The  outbreak  of  the  Rebellion  in  the  Southern 
States  occurred  in  1861,  threatening  for  a  time  the 
disruption  of  the  government,  and  shrouding  all 
hearts  in  sorrow  and  dismay  with  its  constantly 
accumulating  horrors.  E.  P.  Gurney,  in  common 
with  her  peaceful  sect,  naturally  felt  her  sympathies 
called  into  their  fullest  exercise  for  those  at  the  head 
of  affairs,  that  they  might  be  rightly  guided  in  this 
momentous  crisis. 

In  Tenth  month,  1862,  she  felt  constrained  to  pay 
a  religious  visit  to  Abraham  Lincoln,  then  President 
of  the  United  States,  in  which  she  was  accompanied 
by  John  M.  Whitall,  Hannah  B.  Mott,  and  James 
Carey;  and  after  some  difficulty  in  obtaining  an  inter- 
view, waiting  two  days  for  the  purpose,  during  which 
their  faith  was  sorely  tried,  to  use  her  own  words, 
"  The  great  iron  door  seemed  to  open  of  itself." 
J.  B.  Braithwaite  remarks,  in  the  notice  previously 
quoted  from  :  "  It  was  on  the  morning  of  the  first  day 
of  the  week,  in  a  beating  rain,  that  the  little  party 


3o8       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

repaired  to  the  White  House,  where  they  were  at 
once  introduced  into  the  private  apartment  of  Presi- 
dent Lincoln.  They  quickly  recognized  his  tall, 
commanding  figure  as  he  rose  to  receive  them ; 
and  the  cordial  grasp  of  his  hand  as  they  were 
separately  named  to  him  at  once  placed  them  at  ease. 
Deep  thoughtfulness  and  intense  anxiety  marked  his 
countenance,  and  created  involuntary  sympathy  for 
him  in  this  great  national  crisis.  He  at  first  sup-  < 
posed  E.  P.  Gurney  to  be  from  England,  but  was 
soon  undeceived." 

One  of  the  party,  in  describing  the  visit,  remarked: 
"  It  was  a  time  not  soon  to  be  forgotten  ;  the  deep 
solemnity,  the  almost  awful  silence  that  reigned 
within  that  room  formed,  as  thou  wilt  believe,  a 
striking  contrast  to  the  fearful  scene  of  strife  and 
carnage  that  was  enacted,  almost  within  sight,  just 
on  the  other  bank  of  the  Potomac.  And  then  to 
see  the  tears  run  down  the  cheeks  of  our  honored 
President  as  E.  P.  Gurney  solemnly  addressed  him  ! 
I  cannot  possibly  describe  the  impressive  scene. 
When  prayer  was  offered,  he  reverently  bowed  his 
head,  and  certainly  evinced  deep  feeling.  When  we 
rose  to  go,  he  very  kindly  took  leave  of  us  all,  and, 
retaining  E.  P.  Gurney's  hand,  he  made  a  beautiful 
response  to  what  had  been  previously  said.  Her 
address  to  him  was  taken  down  from  memory  by 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  309 

our  little  party, — at  least  an  outline  of  it, — and  it  is 
as  follows : 

" '  I  can  truly  say  it  is  not  from  any  motive  of  idle 
curiosity  that  I  have  requested  this  interview,  I 
come  in  the  love  of  the  gospel  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ, — that  blessed  gospel  which 
breathes  glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  peace  on  earth, 
and  good  will  to  men.  In  common  with  the  mem- 
bers of  my  own  Society, — may  I  not  say  in  common 
with  every  true-hearted  citizen  of  the  United  States? 
— my  spirit  has  been  introduced  into  near  sympathy 
with  our  Chief  Magistrate  in  the  heavy  weight  of 
responsibility  that  rests  upon  him ;  believing,  as  I 
do,  that  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  various  and 
important  duties  he  does  endeavor  to  preserve  a 
conscience  void  of  offence  toward  God  and  man. 
And  earnestly  have  I  desired  that  when  weighted 
with  cares  and  anxieties  he  may  commit  his  way 
unto  the  Lord,  that  he  may  be  careful  for  nothing, 
but  in  everj^thing,  by  prayer  and  supplication  with 
thanksgiving,  he  may  let  his  requests  be  made 
known  unto  God ;  and  then,  whatever  the  trials  and 
perplexities  he  may  have  to  pass  through,  the  peace 
of  God,  which  passeth  all  understanding,  will  keep 
his  heart  and  mind,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 

"  '  In  common  with  thousands  and  tens  of  thou- 
sands on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic,  my  heart  has  re- 


3IO      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

joiced  in  the  noble  effort  which  our  honored  President 
has  made  to  keep  the  true  fast, — the  fast  which  the 
Lord  hath  chosen, — to  loose  the  bands  of  wickedness, 
to  undo  the  heavy  burthens,  to  let  the  oppressed  go 
free ;  and  I  assuredly  believe  that  for  this  magnan- 
imous deed  the  children  yet  unborn  will  rise  up  and 
call  him  blessed  in  the  name  of  the  Lord.  But  trials 
and  persecutions  are  the  lot  of  all  who  endeavor 
to  maintain  a  just  weight  and  a  just  balance,  and 
who  desire  to  be  found  walking  in  the  path  of  up- 
rightness. Then  how  sweet  is  the  assurance  to  the 
Christian  believer  that  God  is  his  refuge  and  strength, 
a  very  present  help  in  trouble.  Therefore  will  not 
we  fear,  though  the  earth  be  removed,  and  though 
the  mountains  be  carried  into  the  midst  of  the  sea, 
though  the  waters  thereof  roar  and  be  troubled, 
though  the  mountains  shake  with  the  swelling  thereof 
There  is  a  river  the  streams  whereof  make  glad  the 
whole  heritage  of  God.  And  seeing  how  difficult 
it  is  to  accomplish  that  which  we  wish,  and  how 
vain  is  the  help  of  man,  I  have  earnestly  desired 
that  the  President  might  repair  day  by  day,  and 
oftener  than  the  day,  to  this  river  of  God,  which  is 
full  of  water,  even  to  the  well-spring  of  Eternal  Life, 
that  thus  his  spirit  may  be  strengthened  and  re- 
freshed, and  be  fitted  for  the  right  performance  of 
his  various  and  arduous  duties ;  and  by  the  grace  of 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  311 

God  he  may  be  made  an  instrument  in  hastening  the 
coming  of  that  glorious  day  when  the  kingdoms  of 
this  world  shall  become  the  kingdoms  of  our  God 
and  of  his  Christ,  and  He  shall  rule  and  reign  for- 
ever and  for  evermore  ;  when  swords  shall  be  beaten 
into  pruning-hooks,  when  nation  shall  no  longer  lift 
up  sword  against  nation,  nor  the  people  learn  war 
any  more.  What  a  glorious  transition  would  be  wit- 
nessed here,  from  a  scene  of  desolation  and  sorrow 
and  suffering  to  one  of  peace  and  joy  and  love  !  The 
wilderness  would  become  as  Eden,  the  desert  as  the 
garden  of  the  Lord ;  joy  and  gladness  would  be 
found  therein,  thanksgiving  and  the  voice  of  melody. 
And  now,  my  dear  friend,  if  so  I  may  be  permitted 
to  call  thee,  may  the  Lord  bless  thee  and  keep  thee, 
lift  up  the  light  of  His  glorious  countenance  upon 
thee,  and  give  thee  peace !  How  precious  is  the 
assurance,  contained  in  the  blessed  book  of  Divine 
inspiration,  that  they  that  dwell  in  the  secret  place  of 
the  Most  High  shall  abide  under  the  shadow^  of  the 
Almighty  !  He  shall  cover  them  with  His  feathers, 
and  under  His  wings  shall  they  trust.  His  truth 
shall  be  their  shield  and  buckler.  A  thousand  may 
fall  at  their  side,  and  ten  thousand  at  their  right 
hand,  but  it  shall  not  come  nigh  them,  because 
they  have  made  the  Lord  their  refuge,  even  the 
Most  High  their  habitation ;    there  shall  no  evil 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

befall  them,  neither  shall  any  plague  come  nigh 
their  dwelling. 

"  *  May  this  be  thy  blessed  experience  !  May  our 
Father  in  heaven  guide  thee  by  His  own  unerring 
counsel  through  the  remaining  difficulties  of  thy 
wilderness  journey,  bestow  upon  thee  a  double 
portion  of  that  wisdom  which  cometh  down  from 
above,  and,  finally,  when  thou  shalt  have  served  thy 
generation  according  to  the  will  of  God,  through 
the  fulness  of  His  atoning,  pardoning  love  and  mercy 
in  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  receive  thy  ransomed  spirit 
into  that  rest  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of 
God,  unite  it  to  the  glorious  company  of  victors 
whom  the  apostle  saw  standing  on  the  sea  of  glass 
mingled  with  fire,  having  the  harps  of  God  in  their 
hands  !  And  they  sang  the  song  of  Moses  and  the 
song  of  the  Lamb,  saying,  "  Great  and  marvellous  are 
Thy  works,  Lord  God  Almighty,  just  and  true  are  all 
Thy  ways,  thou  King  of  saints.  Who  shall  not  fear 
before  Thee  and  glorify  Thy  name,  for  Thou  only 
art  holy !" ' 

"  E.  P.  Gurney  then  knelt  in  fervent  prayer  for  her 
country  and  for  the  President,  who  appeared  bowed 
under  a  sense  of  his  deep  responsibilities.  After  a 
solemn  pause  he  replied,  very  deliberately,  nearly  in 
the  following  words : 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  ^13 

"  I  am  glad  of  this  interview.  In  the  very  re- 
sponsible situation  in  which  I  am  placed,  as  an 
humble  instrument  in  the  hands  of  my  heavenly 
Father,  I  have  desired  that  all  my  words  and  actions 
may  be  in  accordance  with  His  will;  but  if,  after 
endeavoring  to  do  my  best  with  the  light  which  He 
affords  me,  I  find  my  efforts  fail,  then  I  must  believe 
that,  for  some  purpose  unknown  to  me,  He  wills  it 
otherwise.  If  I  had  had  my  way,  this  war  would 
never  have  been ;  but,  nevertheless,  it  came.  If  I 
had  had  my  way,  the  war  would  have  ended  before 
this;  but,  nevertheless,  it  still  continues.  We  must 
conclude  that  He  permits  it  for  some  wise  purpose, 
though  we  may  not  be  able  to  comprehend  it;  for 
we  cannot  but  believe  that  He  who  made  the  world 
still  governs  it.  I  repeat  that  I  am  glad  of  this 
interview." 

Nearly  a  year  later,  E.  P.  Gurney  received  a  special 
request  from  the  President,  through  Isaac  Newton, 
United  States  Commissioner  of  Agriculture,  that  she 
would  write  to  him ;  and  having  before  had  it  on  her 
mind  to  do  so,  she  wrote  the  following : 

To  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

Earlham  Lodge,  Eighth  mo.  iSth,  1863, 

Esteemed  Friend,  Abraham   Lincoln, — Many 

times  since  I  was  privileged  to  have  an  interview 

27 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

with  thee,  nearly  a  year  ago,  my  mind  has  turned 
toward  thee  with  feelings  of  sincere  and  Christian 
interest;  and  as  our  kind  friend,  Isaac  Newton,  offers 
to  be  the  bearer  of  a  paper  messenger,  I  feel  inclined 
to  give  thee  the  assurance  of  my  continued  hearty 
sympathy  in  all  thy  heavy  burthens  and  responsi- 
bilities, and  to  express  not  only  my  own  earnest 
prayer,  but,  I  believe,  the  prayer  of  many  thousands 
whose  hearts  thou  hast  gladdened  by  thy  praise- 
worthy and  successful  efforts  "  to  burst  the  bands  of 
wickedness  and  let  the  oppressed  go  free"  that  the 
Almighty  Ruler  of  the  universe  may  strengthen 
thee  to  accomplish  all  the  blessed  purposes  which, 
in  the  unerring  counsel  of  His  will  and  wisdom,  I 
do  assuredly  believe  He  did  design  to  make  thee 
instrumental  in  accomplishing  when  He  appointed 
thee  thy  present  post  of  vast  responsibility  as  the 
Chief  Magistrate  of  this  great  nation. 

Many  are  the  trials  incident  to  such  positions,  and  I 
believe  thy  conflicts  and  anxieties  have  not  been  few. 
"  May  the  Lord  hear  thee  in  this  day  of  trouble,  the 
name  of  the  God  of  Jacob  defend  thee,  send  thee 
help  from  His  sanctuary,  and  strengthen  thee  out  of 
Zion."  The  Lord  fulfil  all  thy  petitions  that  are 
put  up  in  the  name  of  the  Prince  of  peace,  of  the 
increase  of  whose  government  and  of  whose  peace 
He  has  Himself  declared  there  shall  never  be  an  end. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 

I  can  hardly  refrain  from  expressing  my  cordial  ap- 
proval of  thy  late  excellent  proclamation  appointing 
a  day  of  thanksgiving  for  the  sparing  and  preserving 
mercies  which,  in  the  tender  loving-kindness  of  our 
God  and  Saviour,  have  been  so  bountifully  showered 
upon  us  ;  for  though  (as  a  religious  people)  we  do 
not  set  apart  especial  seasons  for  returning  thanks 
either  for  spiritual  or  temporal  blessings,  yet,  as  I 
humbly  trust,  our  hearts  are  filled  with  gratitude  to 
our  Almighty  Father  that  His  delivering  arm  of 
love  and  power  has  been  so  manifestly  round  about 
us.  And  I  rejoice  in  the  decided  recognition  of  an 
all-wise  and  superintending  Providence,  which  is  so 
marked  a  feature  in  the  aforesaid  document,  as  well 
as  the  immediate  influence  and  guidance  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  which  perhaps  never  in  any  previous  state 
paper  has  been  so  fully  recognized  before.  Espe- 
cially did  my  inmost  heart  respond  to  thy  desire 
"  that  the  angry  feeling  which  has  so  long  sustained 
this  needless  and  cruel  rebellion  may  be  subdued, 
the  hearts  of  the  insurgents  changed,  and  the  whole 
nation  be  led  through  paths  of  repentance  and  sub- 
mission to  the  Divine  Will  back  to  the  perfect  en- 
joyment of  union  and  fraternal  peace.  May  the 
Lord  in  His  infinite  compassion  hasten  the  day! 
I  will  not  occupy  thy  time  unduly,  but,  in  a  feeling 
of  true  Christian  sympathy  and  gospel  love,  com- 


3i6      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

mend  thee  and  thy  wife  and  your  two  dear  children 
to  the  preserving  care  of  the  unslumbering  Shep- 
herd, who  in  His  matchless  mercy  gave  His  life  for 
the  sheep,  who  is  alone  able  to  keep  us  from  falling, 
and,  finally,  when  done  with  the  unsatisfying  things 
of  mutability,  to  give  us  an  everlasting  inheritance 
among  all  them  that  are  sanctified  through  the 
eternal  spirit  of  our  God. 

Respectfully  and  sincerely  thy  assured  friend, 

Eliza  P.  Gurney. 

In  the  following  year  President  Lincoln  sent  to 
E.  P.  Gurney  the  following  acknowledgment  of  her 
visit  and  letter : 

Executive  Mansion, 
Washington,  September  4th,  1864. 

Eliza  P.  Gurney  : 

My  esteemed  Friend, — I  have  not  forgotten, 
probably  never  shall  forget,  the  very  impressive 
occasion  when  yourself  and  friends  visited  me  on  a 
Sabbath  forenoon  two  years  ago.  Nor  has  your  kind 
letter,  written  nearly  a  year  later,  ever  been  forgotten. 
In  all  it  has  been  your  purpose  to  strengthen  my 
reliance  on  God.  I  am  much  indebted  to  the  good 
Christian  people  of  the  country  for  their  constant 
prayers  and  consolations,  and  to  no  one  of  them  more 
than  to  yourself.  The  purposes  of  the  Almighty  are 
perfect,  and  must  prevail,  though  we  erring  mortals 


^  O'^^^  fi-^U^ 


i^s:.<s^   0^  .     Jtont  Hify^  k>iS^  /U£iZ>^ 

^LX^  OrJ^^  ^  /V^^  (tfJQXj^  £>irt^  A^jJir 

yW;?^  e^i^^  AJp^^ 


St'C^  4^>av.*^  fir^^^'^A-^^-Ccrw^'^^^^^  €.fiL^0^% 

^^L>»w»i^  y^^o'h-^  trC^l^-^^ 


• 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  317 

may  fail  to  accurately  perceive  them  in  advance. 
We  hoped  for  a  happy  termination  of  this  terrible 
war  long  before  this  ;  but  God  knows  best,  and  has 
ruled  otherwise.  We  shall  yet  acknowledge  His 
wisdom  and  our  own  error  therein.  Meanwhile  we 
must  work  earnestly  in  the  best  light  He  gives  us, 
trusting  that  so  working  still  conduces  to  the  great 
ends  He  ordains.  Surely  He  intends  some  great 
good  to  follow  this  mighty  convulsion,  which  no 
mortal  could  make,  and  no  mortal  could  stay.  Your 
people,  the  Friends,  have  had  and  are  having  a  very 
great  trial.  On  principle  and  faith  opposed  to  both 
war  and  oppression,  they  can  only  practically  oppose 
oppression  by  war.  In  this  hard  dilemma  some  have 
chosen  one  horn  and  some  the  other.  For  those 
appealing  to  me  on  conscientious  grounds  I  have 
done,  and  shall  do,  the  best  I  could  and  can,  in  my 
own  conscience,  under  my  oath  to  the  law\  That 
you  believe  this  I  doubt  not,  and,  believing  it,  I 
shall  still  receive  for  our  country  and  myself  your 
earnest  prayers  to  our  Father  in  heaven. 

Your  sincere  friend, 

A.  Lincoln. 

The  original  of  the  foregoing  letter,  which  E.  P.  G. 

had  treasured  with  great  care,  was  finally  presented 

by   her,  at   the   suggestion   of  William  Edward 

27* 


3i8       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

Forster,  to  the  Historical  Society  of  Pennsylvania 
for  safe  preservation. 

The  concluding  letter  of  this  interesting  corre- 
spondence is  subjoined  : 

To  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

Earlham  Lodge,  Ninth  mo.  8th,  1864. 

Esteemed  Friend,  Abraham  Lincoln, — I  like 
to  address  thee  in  thy  own  familiar  way,  and  tell 
thee  how  grateful  to  my  feelings  is  thy  valued  and 
valuable  letter,  which  I  shall  keep  among  my  treas- 
ured things,  and  for  which  allow  me  to  return  thee 
my  sincere  and  grateful  thanks.  In  the  close  and 
absorbing  occupation  of  thy  daily  life,  I  know  it 
must  be  difficult  to  find  a  moment  to  appropriate  to 
courtesies  of  this  description,  and  I  appreciate  ac- 
cordingly the  generous  effort  thou  hast  made  on  my 
behalf,  one  which  I  certainly  did  not  anticipate 
when,  from  a  motive  of  sincere  and  Christian  interest, 
I  ventured  to  impose  upon  thee  a  written  evidence 
of  my  unfeigned  regard.  The  visit  which  I  paid 
thee  two  years  since,  of  which  thou  hast  made  such 
gratifying  mention,  was  not,  as  I  believe  thou  art 
aware,  the  effect  of  idle  curiosity,  but  of  a  true  con- 
cern which,  as  I  cannot  doubt,  was  laid  upon  me 
by  my  heavenly  Father,  and  of  which  I  could  not 
possibly  divest  myself  in  any  other  way.    So  that,  if 


ELIZA  P.  GURXEY.  3 10 

there  was  any  consolation  in  the  message,  I  believe 
thou  mayest  receive  it  as  coming  not  truly  from  a 
very  feeble  and  unworthy  instrument,  but  from  that 
gracious  God  who  comforts  all  that  mourn. 

May  He  continue  to  sustain  and  strengthen,  up- 
hold and  comfort  thee  in  every  future  exigency; 
and  when  He  has  enabled  thee,  in  the  meekness  and 
gentleness,  the  patience  and  forbearance,  the  firmness 
and  integrity  of  the  truth,  to  fulfil  His  gracious 
will,  when  all  His  blessed  purposes  concerning  thee 
shall  be  accomplished,  through  His  redeeming  and 
unbounded  mercy  in  the  only  Saviour,  may  He  re- 
ceive thy  ransomed  spirit  into  glory!  Friends  have 
been  placed,  as  thou  hast  justly  said,  in  a  peculiar 
and  somewhat  anomalous  position.  Decidedly  op- 
posed to  all  oppression,  and  believing  as  they  do 
that  the  holding  of  our  fellow-men  in  cruel  bondage 
is  a  sin  of  the  deepest  dye  in  the  sight  of  a  just  and 
holy  Judge,  and  earnestly  desiring  their  enfranchise- 
ment from  the  galling  chains  imposed  upon  them  by 
their  task-masters,  nevertheless  they  cannot  consci- 
entiously resort  to  arms  even  to  effect  this  blessed 
and  devoutly  to  be  wished  for  end.  The  weapons 
of  their  warfare  are  not  carnal.  The  Saviour  has 
commanded  them  to  love  their  enemies ;  therefore 
they  dare  not  fight  them.  The  only  victory  which 
they  as  followers  of  the  Prince  of  peace  can  with 


^20      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

consistency  rejoice  in,  is  that  which  is  alone  obtained, 
through  the  transforming  power  of  the  grace  of 
God,  over  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  Evil  One. 

This  is  the  victory  that  overcometh  the  world," 
saith  the  apostle,  "even  our  faith."  And,  again, 
"  Who  is  he  that  overcometh  the  world  but  he  that 
believeth  that  Jesus  is  the  Son  of  God."  May  this 
vital,  operative  faith,  which  is  the  substance  of  things 
hoped  for,  the  evidence  of  things  not  seen,  be  more 
abundantly  bestowed  upon  us !  Then,  though  the 
surface  may  be  tempest-tossed,  being  justified  by 
faith,  the  believer  in  Jesus  will  have  a  holy  calm, 
peace  with  God,  a  deep,  still  undercurrent  of  soul- 
satisfying  happiness  which  even  the  rudest  storms  of 
time  fail  to  disturb,  and  none  of  the  vicissitudes  of 
life  have  any  power  over.  An  heir  of  heaven,  with 
childlike  confidence  he  can  adopt  the  language, 
"  The  Lord  is  my  light  and  my  salvation,  whom 
shall  I  fear?  The  Lord  is  the  strength  of  my  life, 
of  whom  shall  I  be  afraid?"  ''For  in  the  time  of 
trouble  He  shall  hide  me  in  His  pavilion,  in  the 
secret  of  His  tabernacle  shall  He  hide  me  ;  He  shall 
set  me  up  upon  a  Rock,  and  now  shall  my  head  be 
lifted  up  above  mine  enemies;  therefore  will  I  offer 
in  His  tabernacle  sacrifices  of  joy."  That  this  may 
be  thy  blessed  experience  is  the  fervent  desire  of  my 
heart.    In  conclusion,  I  would  just  remark  that  the 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  321 

very  kind  consideration  for  the  religious  scruples  of 
the  Society  of  Friends  which  has  been  so  invariably 
and  generously  manifested  by  the  government,  and 
especially  by  our  honored  Executive,  has  been  fully 
and  gratefully  appreciated.  I  think  I  may  venture 
to  say  that  Friends  are  not  less  loyal  for  the  leni- 
ency with  which  their  honest  convictions  have  been 
treated,  and  I  believe  there  are  very  few  amongst  us 
who  would  not  lament  to  see  any  other  than  Abra- 
ham Lincoln  fill  the  Presidential  chair,  at  least  at 
the  next  election,  believing  as  we  do  that  he  is 
conscientiously  endeavoring,  according  to  his  own 
convictions  of  right,  to  fulfil  the  important  trust  com- 
mitted to  him,  and  to  discharge  the  solemn  duties  of 
his  high  and  responsible  office,  "not  with  eye-service, 
as  men-pleasers,  but  in  singleness  of  heart,  fearing 
God."  May  our  worthy  Chief  Magistrate  yet  see  the 
day  when  the  Prince  of  peace,  the  Wonderful  Coun- 
sellor, shall  rule  and  reign  over  this  now  distracted 
country  !  The  Union  unbroken,  the  oppressed  set 
free,  and,  instead  of  the  sounds  of  lamentation  and 
woe  which  now  so  often  fill  the  heart  with  mourning, 
"Joy  and  gladness  shall  be  heard  therein,  thanks- 
giving and  the  voice  of  melody."  That  the  Lord  in 
His  infinite  compassion  may  hasten  the  day  is  the 
fervent  prayer  of  thy  sincere  and  obliged  friend, 

E.  P.  GURNEY, 


322       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OE 

After  the  close  of  the  war  in  1865,  followed  in  a 
few  days  by  the  assassination  of  the  President,  E.  P. 
Gurney  had  the  mournful  satisfaction  of  learning 
that  her  first  letter  had  been  carefully  treasured  up 
by  him,  and  was  in  his  breast-pocket  when  the  fatal 
shot  reached  him." 

The  summer  of  i860  was  saddened  by  the  illness 
and  death  of  E.  P.  Gurney's  eldest  sister,  F.  M. 
Shoemaker,  of  Philadelphia,  a  bereavement  which 
affected  her  deeply. 

In  the  autumn  of  the  same  year  occurred  a  de- 
lightful incident  in  E.  P.  Gurney's  now  quiet  life,  in 
a  visit  from  her  husband's  grandson,  John  Henry 
Backhouse,  the  son  of  Anna  Backhouse,  accompa- 
nied by  his  aunt,  Eliza  Barclay,  and  his  tutor,  Wil- 
liam S.  Lean.  The  little  child  whom  E.  P.  G.  had 
left  in  England,  so  sadly  bereaved  of  his  mother,  had 
now  grown  into  a  tall  youth  of  brilliant  promise  and 
attractive  manners,  and  his  loving  attention  to  his 
grandmother  and  lively,  intelligent  interest  in  the 
novel  scenes  about  him  afforded  her  the  highest 
gratification. 

The  party  passed  several  weeks  at  West  Hill  and 
in  various  excursions,  among  which  may  be  noted 
the  attendance  of  North  Carolina  Yearly  Meeting 
by  E.  Barclay  and  E.  P.  Gurney,  which  proved  an 
interesting  experience. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  323 

The  visitors  returned  to  England  in  First  month, 
1861. 

E.  P.  G.  to  E.  Barclay. 

West  Hill,  First  mo.  loth,  1863. 
.  .  .  My  heart  is  turning  toward  thee  and  our  dear 
John  Henry  with  loving  interest,  and  earnest  is  the 
breathing  of  my  spirit  that  the  new  year  on  which 
we  have  just  entered,  may,  through  the  riches  of  a 
Saviour's  love,  be  full  of  choicest  blessings  to  you 
both.  And  in  this  wish  I  would  include  the  two 
dear  youths  who  are  so  pleasantly  associated  with 
you,  in  whose  best  welfare  I  do  feel  the  truest  inter- 
est, both  for  their  own  and  for  their  parents'  sake. 
There  is  something  saddening  to  most  hearts  in 
glancing  at  the  pages  of  the  old  year's  history,  espe- 
cially if  w^e  find  recorded  there,  "  somewhat  against 
us,"  duties  neglected,  hours  misspent,  and  talents 
misemployed.  Though  this  may  not  apply  to  the 
three  dear  ones  who  are  now  thy  charge,  I  have  de- 
sired that  on  the  unseen,  unsullied  pages  of  the 
coming  year  may  be  inscribed  a  covenant  of  life  and 
peace,  a  covenant  that  never  can  be  broken  ;  that  the 
blessed  Shepherd  who  gave  His  life  for  the  sheep 
may  betroth  them  unto  Him  in  loving  kindness  and 
tender  mercy,  and  in  very  faithfulness;  that  they  may 
"  know  the  Lord,"  that  so  the  beautiful  inspired 
declaration  may  apply  to  each  of  them,  "  My  cove- 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

nant  was  with  him  of  life  and  of  peace,  and  I  gave 
them  to  him  for  the  fear  wherewith  he  feared  me 
and  was  afraid  before  my  name." 

The  memory  of  past  griefs  still  from  time  to  time- 
cast  a  shadow  over  E.  P.  Gurney's  spirit   She  writes: 

First  mo.  5th,  1864. 

.  .  .  Alas !  these  solemn  anniversaries !  This  was 
the  seventeenth,  and  yet  almost  as  sad  as  any  that 
preceded  it,  everything  did  so  vividly  recall  that 
awful,  memorable  day  in   1847.    The  moon,  that 

faithful  witness  in  heaven,"  seen  through  the  hazy 
twilight  of  the  early  morning,  just  as  I  saw  it  then, 
just  as  I  have  continued  to  observe  it  since  on  each 
succeeding  anniversary,  the  only  time  in  the  whole 
year  I  ever  notice  it ;  and  then  the  ground  all  covered 
with  its  snowy  shroud  for  the  first  time,  as  then. 
The  resemblance  was  but  too  complete,  making  my 
heart  ache  painfully. 

To-day,  however,  I  can  rise  a  little  from  this  depth 
of  sadness,  and  follow  that  most  tenderly  beloved  and 
sainted  one  to  his  bright  mansion  of  eternal  joy. 

When  shall  I  wake  and  find  me  there  ?" 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  325 
Amy  Y.  Tatum  to  E.  P.  G. 

Ninth  mo.  6th,  1866. 

...  I  think  of  thee  now,  my  beloved  friend,  as 
again  enjoying  thy  pleasant  winter  house,  I  hope 
with  increased  health  and  strength.  I  could  enter 
into  thy  feeling  in  relation  to  the  duty  which  de- 
volved upon  thee  in  thy  seaside  home, — duty  which 
necessarily  involved  peculiar  exercise;  but  I  do  so 
value  a  clear  spiritual  vision  where  there  is  scarcely 
room  to  doubt  the  Divine  requisition,  that  in  think- 
ing of  thee  as  filling  thy  mission,  though  through 
many  exercises,  it  may  be  through  much  fear  and 
trembling, — yet,  I  do  not,  cannot  doubt,  with  the 
peaceful  consciousness  that  thou  art  following  His 
bidding, — I  think  of  thee,  dear  Eliza,  as  one  pecu- 
liarly blessed  of  the  Lord.  ...  A  little  while  and 
the  blessed  summons  will  reunite  the  members  of 
the  household  of  faith  in  that  better  land,  where  it 
will  be  their  glorious  privilege  to  offer,  without  in- 
terruption and  from  sanctified  spirits,  the  tribute  of 
praise  to  Him  who  has  redeemed  them,  and  washed 
their  robes  in  His  own  precious  blood.  That  this 
will  be  thy  experience,  my  dearest  friend,  I  do  not 
for  one  moment  doubt;  and  wilt  thou  not  pray  for 
me,  that  it  may,  through  atoning  mercy,  be  granted 

to  thy  friend  to  witness  the  efficacy  of  the  blood  of 

28 


326       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

sprinkling,  that  her  sins,  which  are  many,  may  be 
blotted  out,  and  she  too  be  admitted,  even  though  it 
be  to  the  lowest  place  in  the  heavenly  kingdom  ? 

E.  P.  G,  to  M.  Whitall. 

Tenth  mo.  31st,  1866. 

...  I  was  right  glad  to  hear  was  acknowl- 
edged, believing  that  the  time  had  come  for  it.  My 
heart  salutes  him  in  a  fresh  feeling,  as  I  trust,  of 
gospel  love,  and  bids  him  cordially  Godspeed. 
Dear  fellow  !  I  do  truly  feel  for  him  in  entering  as 
it  were  upon  the  conflict,  remembering  vividly  "the 
misery  and  the  affliction,  the  wormwood  and  the 
gall.  My  soul  hath  them  still  in  remembrance,  and 
is  humbled  within  me."  I  know  this  is  not  a  pop- 
ular doctrine  in  the  present  day,  but  I  assuredly 
believe  these  painful  humiliations  are  inseparable 
from  a  baptized  and  baptizing  ministry,  and  there- 
fore I  could  not  ask  exemption  from  them  for  any 
one  I  love.  But  may  this  youthful  soldier  be 
strong  in  the  grace  that  is  in  Christ  Jesus,"  willing 
to  **  be  a  partaker  of  the  afflictions  of  the  gospel," 
not  ashamed  of  the  testimony  of  our  Lord,  but  by 
the  power  of  His  spirit  rightly  dividing  the  word 
of  Truth,"  fighting  the  good  fight  of  faith,  laying 
hold  on  eternal  life!  May  he  at  last  receive  the 
blessed  welcome,  not  for  any  works  of  righteous- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  3 2/ 

ness  which  he  hath  done,  but  through  the  fulness 
of  unmerited  mercy:  "Well  done,  good  and  faithful 
servant,  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord  !" 

In  1866,  E.  P.  Gurney  was  called  to  part  with  her 
beloved  sister,  Julia  K.  Clarke,  who  died  Twelfth 
month  loth,  after  a  lingering  illness,  in  peace,  and 
in  confident  hope  of  a  blessed  immortality.  Re- 
markably warm  and  congenial  in  their  feelings,  yet 
of  singularly  independent  judgment,  the  sisters  had 
remained  closely  attached  in  heart  through  all  the 
separations  of  their  varied  lives,  and  E.  P.  Gurney 
was  deeply  bowed  under  this  affliction,  in  which  her 
family  and  friends  largely  shared. 

William  J.  Allinson  to  E.  P.  G.  and  M.  A.  W. 

Twelfth  mo.,  1866. 

Dear  Friends, — I  long  to  speak  a  word  of  sym- 
pathy, though  I  am  well  aware  that,  being  comforted 
of  God,  the  mere  assurance  of  what  you  know  we 
feel,  cannot  add  to  your  consolation.  What  fulness 
of  peace  there  is  in  the  contemplation  of  dear  J.  K. 
Clarke's  blessed  decline  and  entrance  into  life!  Her 
faith  reminds  me  of  the  language  respecting  Abra- 
ham, that  "  He  believed  God,  and  it  was  imputed 
unto  him  for  righteousness."  How  wonderful  the 
completeness  of  her  preparation  !  All  last  words  and 


328      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

leave-takings,  all  arrangements  perfected ;  the  full 
assurance  of  pardon,  peace,  and  acceptance  granted ; 
the  glorious  rejoicing  in  a  sense  of  the  King's  favor, 
yet  with  sweet  humility  recognizing  it  as  all  of  grace 
and  mercy;  no  cloud  permitted  to  pass  over  the  Sun, 
which  had  risen  to  set  no  more;  the  anointing  for 
the  burial  continuing  sweet  and  fragrant ;  the  per- 
fectly painless  dismissal ;  the  whole  tending  to  the 
glory  of  God,  and  loudly  preaching  the  need  of 
readiness  for  the  Messenger,  who  often,  as  in  this 
instance,  cometh  in  an  hour  when  we  think  not. 

John  Hodgkin  to  E.  P.  G. 

Seventh  mo.  4th,  1868. 

...  I  doubt  not  that  with  you,  as  well  as  with  us, 
patience  and  faith  are  largely  needed,  lest  we  faint 
under  the  discouragements  of  the  way.  If  this 
should  reach  thee  whilst  at  Atlantic  City,  I  must 
say  to  thee,  as  Moses  did  to  Joshua,  "  Be  strong,  and 
of  a  good  courage."  It  does  seem  to  be  a  part  of 
thy  work  which  has  in  rather  an  especial  manner 
been  owned  of  the  Lord. 

Israel  W.  Morris  to  E.  P.  G. 

Green  Hill  Farm,  Fourth  mo.  3d,  1868. 
My  dear  Friend,  E.  P.  Gurney, — In  a  letter  re- 
ceived by  me  this  day  from  our  mutual  friend,  J.  B. 


ELIZA  P.  GVRNEY.  329 

Braithwaite,  he  says,  "  Will  it  be  troubling  thee  too 
much  for  one  of  thy  children  to  transmit  a  message 
of  my  dear  love  to  E.  P.  Gurney  ?  I  often  think  of 
her,  and  had  intended  to  write  to-day.  I  hope  to  do 
so  before  long."  Now  love  is  so  precious  an  article 
to  deal  in,  that  I  have  preferred  myself  to  be  the 
means  for  transmission,  and  it  affords  the  facility  to 
add  that  I  am,  in  love,  thy  attached  friend,  Israel  W. 
Morris. 

The  warrant  for  all  this  is  abundantly  afforded  by 
Him  in  whom  is  our  life,  when  He  said,  "  By  this 
shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  disciples :  if  ye 
have  love  one  unto  another."    Farewell ! 

E.  P.  G.  to  Thomas  Evans. 

Fifth  mo.  15th,  1868. 

I  have  a  letter  from  Charles  L.  Willits,  saying  that 
Friends  of  Haddonfield  have  come  to  the  conclusion 
to  hold  a  meeting  at  Atlantic  City,  of  which  I  am 
truly  glad.  In  some  ways  it  will  be  a  great  relief  to 
me,  taking  away  the  burthen  of  responsibility,  which 
rested  very  heavily  upon  me.  I  do  not  see,  how- 
ever, how  it  would  be  possible  to  build  a  house  in 
six  or  seven  weeks,  and  think  they  must  intend  to 
rent  a  room. 

The  meeting  referred  to  above  was  held  for  a  time 
28* 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

in  a  room  hired  for  the  purpose,  and  under  the  care 
of  a  committee  of  Haddonfield  Quarterly  Meeting. 
A  commodious  and  pleasant  house  was  soon  after 
built,  and  has  since  continued  to  be  occupied  by- 
Friends  on  First  day  during  the  summer.  The  re- 
lief which  this  arrangement  afforded  to  E.  P.  Gurney 
was  very  great,  though  her  services  in  the  ministry 
were  still  frequent,  and  often  very  impressive. 

Some  letters  follow,  though  slightly  out  of  chron- 
ological order,  expressive  of  the  interest  and  sym- 
pathy felt  by  her  friends  in  these  engagements. 

M.  Whitall  to  E.  P.  G. 

Seventh  mo.  26th,  1868. 

...  I  do  believe  I  never  said  farewell  to  thee 
under  a  deeper  feeling  of  true  sympathy  and  a 
stronger  flow  of  sisterly  love,  with  a  sense  that  the 
world,  as  it  passed  by  thee  at  Atlantic  City,  knew 
nothing  of  the  burdens  and  the  baptisms  that  were 
sometimes  thy  portion.  But  there  is  an  Eye  that 
sees  and  an  Ear  that  is  ever  open,  and  a  blessed 
Arm  extended  for  thy  support.  Its  strength  thou 
hast  again  and  again  proved,  and  it  will  never  be 
withheld  from  thee.  These  meetings,  with  all  the 
sayings  and  doings,  have  been  no  small  matter,  and 
now  that  they  have  been  regularly  commenced,  the 
responsibility  will  rest  with  no  little  weight  some- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  331 

where.  I  do  expect  thou  wilt  have  thy  portion,  and 
believe  that  in  and  under  all  the  Lord  will  be  thy 
helper ;  therefore  thou  need  not  fear.  Thy  being  at 
Atlantic  City  and  thy  services  there  I  doubt  not 
have  been  of  His  ordering  and  to  His  praise.  Could 
thou  ask  more  ?  We  heard  through  several  chan- 
nels that  you  had  a  very  good  meeting  on  First  day. 
I  doubt  whether  thou  wilt  find  it  any  easier  than 
when  in  thy  own  house.  I  cannot  but  believe  that 
it  is  the  design  of  our  Father  that  the  healing  influ- 
ences of  His  love  and  mercy  should  flow  there. 
May  they  run  even  into  a  broad  river,  that  shall 
swallow  up  and  carry  to  the  bottom  of  the  sea  those 
mountains  of  prejudice  that  seem  at  times  as  if  they 
would  hide  the  love  of  Jesus. 

William  J.  Allinson  to  E.  P.  G. 

Seventh  nio.  9th,  1870. 

We  hear  with  pleasure  that  your  meeting  has 
opened,  and  that  thou  hast  been  employed  therein. 
This  is  an  important  part  of  thy  life-service, — to  raise 
the  standard  when  others  would  suffer  it  to  trail. 
As  I  recently  hinted  to  thee,  I  often  feel  thankful, 
not  merely  for  the  gift  committed  to  thee,  but  for  thy 
fidelity  in  keeping  very  closely  to  it,  so  that  there 
is  no  room  for  gainsayers.  This  is  a  favor  to  the 
Church,  as  thou  hast  not  only  thy  individual  work 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

to  perform,  but  art  intrusted  with  sustaining  the 
character  and  memory  of  one  so  greatly  beloved  and 
honored  of  the  Lord.  There  is  a  beautiful  Provi- 
dence in  this  which  has  often  affected  my  heart.  The 
clear  sounding  of  the  full  gospel  truth  through  thee 
is  a  pledge  and  a  convincing  proof  of  his  Christian 
and  Quaker  soundness,  the  value  of  which  it  is  im- 
possible to  overestimate.  I  do  not  know,  in  the 
range  of  Christian  history,  an  instance  of  equal  value, 
— of  a  true  wife  triumphantly  holding  the  pure  fame 
of  a  noble  husband,  unscathed,  untarnished,  and  glo- 
rious, above  the  billows  of  threatening  yet  impotent 
calumny.  I  do  not  touch  lightly  upon  this  sacred 
topic.    I  trust  thou  wilt  excuse  the  liberty. 

H.  K.  H.  to  M.  Whitall. 

Seventh  mo.  nth,  1871. 
.  .  .  Thou  wouldst  have  rejoiced  in  the  meeting 
on  First  day ;  it  was  larger  than  that  of  the  previous 
week,  and  a  particularly  sweet  feeling  prevailed. 
Darling  Aunt  Gurney  spoke  with  much  feeling  and 
power.  It  was  one  of  her  full  sermons,  and  the  silence 
that  followed  was  profound.  She  then  knelt  in  solemn 
prayer.  Thou  knowest  what  her  prayers  are.  I 
think  I  never  more  felt  the  sweetness  and  solemnity 
of  this  privilege  ;  one  forgot,  as  it  were,  the  servant 
in  the  felt  presence  of  the  Master.    Many  tearful 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  333 

eyes  gave  witness  that  hearts  had  been  touched  and 
comforted.  George  M.  Elkinton  said  a  few  words  in 
conclusion,  and  the  meeting  separated  under  a  feel- 
ing of  thankfulness  to  Him  who  had  so  truly  fed  the 
multitude.  ...  I  thought  this  morning,  as  I  heard 

her  talking  to  and  of  the  Lord's  dealings 

with  His  children,  what  a  comforter  she  is  to  many. 
She  seems  stronger  and  better  for  being  here,  and,  as 
thou  sayest,  she  is  truly  in  her  right  place. 

J.  B.  Braithwaite  to  E.  P.  G. 

Tenth  mo.  29th,  1871. 

.  .  .  Whatever  our  anxieties  may  be,  I  have  great 
faith  that,  in  the  tender  mercy  of  our  gracious  Re- 
deemer, the  vessel  will  be  preserved  and  guided 
through  every  storm.  There  may  be  times  when, 
for  the  trial  of  the  disciples'  faith,  He  may  be  as  it 
were  asleep  ;  but  it  is  only  that  His  power  and  love 
may  be  magnified  when  He  shall  be  pleased  to  arise 
at  their  cry  and  say  to  the  waves,  "Peace,  be  still !" 

M.  Whitall  to  E.  P.  G. 

Eighth  mo.  1 2th,  1873. 

.  .  .  We  often  hear  the  remark,  "  We  have  had  a 
most  excellent  sermon  ;"  but  when  a  person  can 
say,  "  My  case  was  so  remarkably  spoken  to  I  was 
helped  forward  and  strengthened  to  trust  and  not  be 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

afraid/'  it  means  a  great  deal  more.  And  I  hope 
thou,  my  dear  friend,  may  be  more  and  more  filled 
with  an  earnest  desire  to  be  found  faithful  in  doing 
the  Lord's  work,  be  it  what  it  may.  It  is  certainly 
a  very  responsible  thing  to  be  intrusted  with  His 
precious  gifts ;  and  I  believe  the  location  of  thy 
summer  home  is  of  His  ordering.  The  field  there 
is  large  and  laborious.  May  the  comparative  rest 
thou  may  feel  now  be  sweet  to  thee  ! 

Dr.  Joseph  W.  Taylor  to  E.  P.  G. 

Ninth  mo.  i6th,  1875. 

My  dear  Friend, — May  T  tell  thee  of  the  satis- 
faction the  retrospect  of  my  visit  to  you  affords  me  ? 
Truly,  it  felt  to  me  a  continuous  Sabbath,  and  the 
"  Son  of  Peace"  seemed  to  dwell  there.  Was  not 
this  favor  granted  to  thee,  and,  in  some  measure,  to 
those  around  thee,  as  a  reward  for  faithfulness  in 
bearing  the  burdens  of  the  word,  and  in  preaching 
the  gospel  to  that  assemblage  of  attentive  and  in- 
terested people  who  have  been  drawn  to  your  meet- 
ings at  Atlantic  City?  I  doubt  not  that  the  views 
and  principles  of  Friends  have  thus  been  dissem- 
inated, and  that  many  have  been  helped  to  see  and 
feel  the  beauty,  simplicity,  and  power  of.  gospel 
truths  beyond  what  they  had  ever  known  before. 
That  meeting  I  consider  second  to  none  in  Phila- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  335 

delphia  Yearly  Meeting  in  usefulness  and  import- 
ance, and  upon  thy  shoulders  has  rested  the  burden 
of  its  support.  My  thoughts  often  turn  with  interest 
to  these  meetings,  and  with  feelings  of  sympathy  for 
thee.  But,  dear  friend,  no  one  knows  better  than 
thyself  where  to  place  these  burdens,  and  find  help 
in  every  time  of  need.  Who  can  doubt  that  for  this 
evening  sacrifice  a  rich  reward  of  peace  will  rest 
upon  thee  ? 

Samuel  Battle  to  E.  P.  G. 

Seventh  mo.  24th,  1879. 

.  .  .  Inquiries  of  others  and  recent  information 
have  informed  me  of  thy  settlement  by  the  sea,  and 
of  thy  presence  at  meeting  at  Atlantic  City.  I  am 
always  glad  to  hear  of  thee  in  assemblies  of  the 
people,  and  especially  at  that  city,  where  thy  labors 
have  been,  as  elsewhere,  long  and  abundantly  blessed. 
And  the  assurance  is  now  evidently  felt  in  thy  heart 
that  He  who  has  helped  thee  hitherto  will  help 
thee  all  thy  journey  through,"  and  that  the  dew  of 
thy  youth"  will  not  dry  up,  but  that  thou  wilt  be 
found  bringing  forth  fruit  in  advancing  years.  The 
Lord  is  not  unrighteous  to  forget  thy  work  and  labor 
of  love  for  Himself,  and  in  ministrations  to  His  ser- 
vants and  people.  Continue  thou,  my  beloved  friend, 
to  rest  in  His  love  and  to  labor  in  His  caus^  He 


336      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

who  has  been  thy  morning  light  has  not  forgotten 
thee,  and  will  be  thy  evening  song  and  crown  of 
rejoicing. 

.  .  .  How  barren  and  fruitless  of  anything  to  in- 
terest this  poor  missive  seems ;  but  of  this  I  can 
assure  thee, — that  it  is  a  real  comfort  just  to  think 
of  thee,  to  glance  backward  to  our  long,  unbroken 
friendship,  and  forward  to  "  our  Father's  home." 
May  we  through  mere  mercy  be  safely  gathered 
there !  Perhaps  I  cannot  better  conclude  than  by 
quoting  a  verse  from  a  piece  addressed  to  me  on  the 
subject  of  our  mutual  friendship  by  a  poetic  friend 
who  died  not  long  since,  an  Episcopal  clergyman, 
Charles  West  Thomson  : 

"  May  the  seal  of  Eternity  rest  on  the  bond  ! 

Through  life  may  it  last,  undiminished  and  pure; 
And  when  we  may  gain  the  bright  region  beyond, 
May  we  find  it  still  round  us,  redoubled  and  sure  !" 

E.  P.  Gurney's  path  was  again  shadowed  with 
deep  sorrow  by  the  decease,  in  the  summer  of  1869, 
of  her  husband's  grandson,  J.  H.  Backhouse,  who 
had  been  so  pleasantly  with  her  some  years  before; 
and  she  could  but  bow  in  humble  submission  to  the 
mysterious  Providence  which  called  away,  as  in  a 
moment,  this  child  of  many  prayers,  just  entering 
upon  manhood,  and,  to  all  human  perception,  on  the 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY,  ^-j^y 

threshold  of  a  life  of  singular  promise  and  possibili- 
ties. His  character  and  happy  end  are  well  sketched 
in  the  following  letters. 

J.  Hodgkin  to  E.  P.  G. 

Seventh  mo.  31st,  1869. 

My  heart  turns  with  especial  sympathy  and  love 
to  thee  in  this  great  trial  which  has  been  dispensed 
to  us  so  unexpectedly,  and  in  which  thou  hast  so 
large  a  part,  both  in  thy  own  great  loss  and  also 
from  the  fresh  opening  of  wounds  with  which  it  is 
so  closely  connected.  .  .  .  My  dear  aunt  and  cousin 
are  chastened,  but  not  killed ;"  they  are  "  sorrow- 
ful," and  yet,  I  might  almost  say,  "  alway  rejoicing" 
in  the  blessed  evidence  which  was  so  abundantly 
furnished  that  death  was  swallowed  up  in  victory. 
It  is  indeed  a  privilege  to  be  with  them ;  for  while 
we  can  but  feel  that  dear  Eliza  is  truly  like  a  wid- 
owed mother  who  has  lost  an  only  son  just  entering 
upon  a  life  full  of  promise  of  every  kind,  yet  all  her 
loving  care  in  his  training,  spiritual,  moral,  and  in- 
tellectual, seems  to  be  crowned  with  complete  suc- 
cess, only  it  is  a  success  for  heaven  instead  of 
earth.  I  wish  thou  couldst  share  the  atmosphere 
of  this  house.  I  feel  that  all  who  are  brought 
within  the  influence  of  the  death-bed  happiness  of 

this  youthful  disciple  of  the  Lord  Jesus  have  an 

29 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

added  responsibility ;  for  what  but  the  certainty  of 
the  heavenly  inheritance,  the  witness  of  the  Spirit 
so  abundantly  granted  him,  could  have  enabled  him 
to  give  up  all  his  earthly  possessions,  interests,  and 
prospects  without  a  tinge  of  regret,  and  to  thank 
God  for  the  blessing  and  mercy  and  joy  which  were 
before  him,  and  seemed  almost  present  to  his  view  ? 

A.  Y.  Tatum  to  E.  P.  G. 

Eighth  mo.  iith,  1869. 

My  own  beloved  Friend, — What  a  blow  is  this  ! 
Can  it  be  that  that  cherished  scion  of  a  noble  and 
venerated  stock  has  been  so  early  transplanted  to  his. 
heavenly  inheritance  ?  How  many  hopes  centred  in 
a  life  so  full  of  promise !  Truly  "  death  loves  a 
shining  mark."  Dear  E.  B.,  too  !  Her  best  earthly 
hopes  were  placed  on  this  son  of  her  adoption,  and 
now  they  are  indeed  crushed.  His  early  and  care- 
ful training,  his  position,  his  many  noble  qualities, 
and  his  ancestry  all  combined  to  create  the  fondest 
expectations.  True  indeed  it  is  that  here  we  know 
but  in  part,  but  there  the  veil  so  impenetrable  to  our 
mortal  vision  will  be  lifted.  We  know  not  what 
storms  of  temptation  and  of  grief  might  have  awaited 
him  in  a  world  which  lieth  in  wickedness,  and  now 
he  is  safely  housed  from  all.    My  own  dear  friend, 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  33Q 

my  heart  goes  forth  to  thee  in  unutterable  sympathy 
and  love,  and  I  do  rejoice  in  knowing  that  thou  hast 
an  anchor  sure  and  steadfast.  He  who  has  been 
with  thee  in  thy  many  deep  trials  will  not  fail  thee 
now,  but  will,  as  heretofore,  uphold  thee  by  His 
strong  arm  of  power,  and  enable  thee,  even  in  deep 
waters,  to  praise  Him  who  has  been,  and  is,  the 
"  light  of  thy  countenance  and  thy  God." 

JOHN  HENRY  BACKHOUSE. 

"  He  asked  life  of  Thee,  and  Thou  gavest  it  him,  even  length  of 
days  for  ever  and  ever." — Psalms  xxi.  4. 

We  asked  for  life,  dear  Lord,  for  him, 

A  life  attuned  unto  Thy  praise; 
We  asked  in  faith.    Thou  gavest  him 

The  length  of  everlasting  days. 
Thou  gavest  service,  made  him  meet 

To  sit  amid  the  blood- washed  throng ; 
Then  led  him  forth  to  Jesus'  feet, 

To  join  the  everlasting  song. 

We  longed  that  earth  might  know  his  tread, 

God-sent,  amid  the  haunts  of  crime, 
That  his  good  record  might  be  read 

Throughout  the  coming  years  of  time. 
Thou  hadst  not  thus  o'erfilled  his  hand 

With  seed  to  sow  on  life's  broad  plain. 
But  called  him  where  the  reapers  stand 

To  gather  in  the  golden  grain. 


340      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OP 


We  asked  a  grandsire's  mantle  white 

Might  fall  upon  him  as  he  trod 
Thy  chosen  pathway,  in  the  light 

Of  Thy  dear  countenance,  O  God. 
Thou  hadst  a  better  robe  in  store, — 

Thou  wouldst  not  give  Thy  dear  child  less ; 
Full  white,  he  wears  on  yonder  shore 

The  robe  of  Jesus'  righteousness. 

Thou  gavest  richly,  as  a  King, 

In  answer  to  our  earnest  prayer ; 
And  now  those  troubled  hearts  we  bring, 

Who  in  their  cup  have  found  full  share 
Of  Marah's  drops  of  bitterness 

In  parting  from  their  loved  one  thus. 
Be  pleased  their  drooping  hearts  to  bless. 

For  Thou  alone  canst  comfort  us. 

Oh,  comfort  them  while  tear-drops  fall ! 

To  Thy  dear  face  their  dim  eyes  raise. 
And  show  them  how  Thou  gav'st  him  all 

The  wealth  of  everlasting  days. 
Unto  their  faith,  O  Father,  prove 

The  blessing  which  he  has  with  Thee, — 
The  fulness  of  a  Saviour's  love. 

The  glories  of  Eternity  ! 

A.  B.  T. 

Ninth  month,  1869. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  ^41 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  K.  H. 

Atlantic  City  (no  date). 
.  .  .  Now  that  the  meetings  are  over,  I  feel  as  if  I 
really  could  enjoy  a  little  social  intercourse,  which 
I  have  hardly  been  able  to  do,  from  one  cause  or 
other,  since  coming  down,  so  great  has  been  the 
pressure  on  my  spirit ;  and  the  exercise  of  mind  I 
have  had  to  pass  through  has  been  at  times  as  much 
as  I  could  bear.  But  to-day,  thanks  to  unmerited 
mercy,  the  whole  earth  is  at  rest,  and  is  quiet ;" 
and  under  a  grateful  sense  of  the  tender  loving-kind- 
ness of  my  Father  in  heaven,  thanksgiving  and  the 
voice  of  melody  are  once  again  ascending  from  my 
faithless  heart.  But,  oh  !  whea  I  remember  all  my 
doubts  and  fears  and  conflicts,  the  upbraiding 
query  will  sometimes  arise,  *'  O  thou  of  little  faith, 
wherefore  didst  thou  doubt  ?"  The  meeting  yes- 
terday was  one  of  unusual  solemnity,  and  though 
some  Friends  had  looked  to  having  another  before 
the  season  closed,  I  felt  satisfied  the  right  time  had 
come  to  conclude  them,  in  which  some  others  quite 
united,  saying  they  thought  it  was  "  much  better 
they  should  end  when  the  tide  was  up." 


29* 


3^2      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


E.  P.  G.  to  Thomas  Evans. 

West  Hill  (no  date). 
...  I  purposely  avoided  calling  on  thee  in  Phila- 
delphia, because  I  do  so  thoroughly  approve  thy  plan 
of  perfect  quietness.  Indeed,  I  have  thought,  my 
dear  and  valued  friend,  that  after  thy  late  dedication 
thou  might  afford  a  season  of  entire  rest  to  mind 
and  body.  "  Come  ye  yourselves  apart  and  rest 
awhile"  was  the  language  of  the  compassionate 
Redeemer  when  many  were  coming  and  going,  and 
the  poor  disciples  had  not  time  so  much  as  to  eat. 
"  He  knoweth  our  frame ;  He  remembereth  that 
we  are  dust,"  and  "by  His  gentleness  He  maketh 
great."  I  feel  it  in  my  heart  just  to  say,  in  reference 
to  what  thou  hast  remarked  about  thy  deep  un- 
worthiness,  that  I  assuredly  believe,  when  thou  hast 
finished  all  the  work  appointed  thee  to  do,  through 
the  rich  mercy  of  that  blessed  Saviour  whom,  not 
having  seen,  thou  hast  loved,  the  mansion  is  pre- 
pared, the  crown  is  ready,  and  the  gracious  sentence, 
"  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servant,  enter  thou 
into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord !"  is  there  awaiting  thee 
in  that  heavenly  kingdom,  wherein  it  is  declared 
that  sorrow,  suffering,  parting,  pain,  and  death  shall 
never  come.  Oh,  that  through  pardoning  mercy 
I  may  meet  thee  there ! 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


343 


Mary  Whitall  to  E.  P.  G. 

Tenth  mo.  4th,  1870. 

...  I  received  the  book  all  safe,  and  am  truly- 
thankful  for  thy  great  kindness  in  sending  it.  I  am 
reading  and  re-reading  it  with  renewed  interest,  and 
think  thou  must  feel  at  times  as  though  thou  hadst 
passed  through  two  different  worlds,  I  am  sure 
thou  feels,  in  many  a  backward  glance,  how  wonder- 
fully the  Lord  has  guided  thee  and  helped  thee,  and, 
in  a  prospective  view,  can  believe  He  will  never 
leave  thee  nor  forsake  thee." 

.  .  .  How  is  it  faring  with  thee,  beloved  ?  This 
inquiry  has  very  often  arisen  in  my  heart,  with  ten- 
der longings  for  a  reply,  and,  though  it  came  not, 
there  was  ever  a  sweet  sense  that  it  was  well ;  and 
whether  amid  the  blossoming  and  the  flowers  and 
all  the  beauty  of  West  Hill,  or  whether  by  the  deep, 
moaning  sea  and  the  rain  as  we  have  had  it  to-day, 
the  beams  of  the  Sun  of  Righteousness  were  in  thy 
dwelling.  And  besides  the  dear  little  circle  around 
thee,  thou  had  the  companionship  of  that  Friend 
who  sticketh  closer  than  a  brother,  who  in  thy  early 
life  called  thee  and  took  thee  for  His  own.  "  I  have 
called  thee  by  thy  name :  thou  art  mine."  The 
sweet  young  people  about  thee  are  cheerers  I  know, 
and  will  give  thee  heartfelt  sympathy ;  but  they  are 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

entering  upon  the  early  and  brightly  opening  path- 
way of  life,  while  we  are  on  the  downward  slope. 
But  how  the  clouds  are  brightened,  and  such  lovely 
views  spread  before  us  at  sun-setting! 

The  last  remaining  sister  of  E.  P.  Gurney,  Mary 
Ann  Williams,  died  Eighth  month  2 1st,  1872.  She 
had  been  a  member  of  her  family  since  her  first  set- 
tlement at  Burlington,  and  by  her  gentle,  unobtru- 
sive, and  efficient  ministries  had  contributed  largely 
to  the  charm  of  the  household. 

A  younger  generation  of  great-nieces  now  clus- 
tered round  the  solitary  hearth,  cheering  its  loneli- 
ness with  their  fresh  and  buoyant  life,  and  antici- 
pating their  aunt's  increasing  needs  with  watchful 
care. 

Hannah  L.  Neall  to  E.  P.  G. 

San  Francisco,  Tenth  mo.  23d,  1872. 

...  I  have  been  thinking  a  great  deal  about  thee 
recently,  and  recalling,  with  something  of  the  pleas- 
urable sadness  with  which  one  looks  upon  the 
drifting  autumn  leaves,  the  dear  days,  now  drifting 
to  and  fro  in  my  memory,  that  I  spent  with  thee  and 
thine  in  thy  quiet  Burlington  home. 

My  life,  dear  friend,  has  much  to  thank  thee  for ; 
and  it  seems  to  me  it  must  be  pleasant,  as  our  foot- 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  345 

steps  lead  along  the  distant  ways  and  toward  the 
upward  slopes,  to  hear  now  and  then  the  echoes  of 
some  word  or  work  of  ours  in  the  gone-by  days 
which  made  others  happier  and  better  for  our  living. 
I  have  many  such  sweet  reminiscences  of  thee,  when, 
perhaps,  thou  little  knew  how  much  I  needed  and 
valued  thy  help.  I  hear  of  thee  occasionally  through 
home  correspondents,  of  thy  failing  health  and  ina- 
bility for  as  active  a  life  as  formerly;  of  thy  in- 
creased work,  even  in  this  state,  for  thy  Master, 
when,  perhaps,  thou  art  all  unconscious  of  it ;  and  I 
feel  that  I  want  to  be  near  thee  in  these  days  of 
'*  beautiful  sanctuary,"  and  to  come  with  my  heart- 
felt love  and  blessing.  Dear,  true  friend,  I  shall  not 
forget  thee !  As  the  years  roll  on,  and  I  near  the 
golden  sands  of  the  Eternal  shore,  I  look  back  with 
gratitude  to  those  who  have  pointed  the  way,  and 
see,  as  I  clambered  painfully  along  over  broken 
arches,  why  they  were  sharp  and  rugged  to  my  feet. 

*  *  H<  *  *  *  J}{ 

The  summer  wore  her  sweetest  grace, 

And  roses  flung  their  fragrance  out, 
While  thou  and  I,  with  lingering  pace, 

Wandered  the  pleasant  paths  about. 
The  cottage  doors  were  open  wide. 

The  guests  were  gathered  in  the  hall, 
And  I,  from  wanderings  far  and  wide, 

Returned  as  to  a  festival. 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

Oh,  for  that  welcome  once  again! 

My  heart  cries  out,  and  still  I  wait. 
Dear  Lord,  if  prayers  are  all  in  vain, 

Grant  us  beyond  the  golden  gate 
"With  full  and  joyous  hearts  to  come, 

Leaving  our  burdens  here  below. 
And  hear  the  blessed  welcome  home 

Which  all  Thy  weary  pilgrims  know. 


Extract  from  Baroness  Bunsen's  letter  to  Eliz- 
abeth de  Bunsen  (daughter  of  Samuel  Gur- 
ney). 

January  29th,  1 874. 

.  .  .  How  kind  you  are  to  give  me  an  account  of 
your  aunt,  Eliza  Gurney,  whose  image  is  so  bright 
in  my  remembrance.  I  am  thankful  for  her  that  she 
is  bodily  and  mentally  so  well  preserved  as  to  be 
enabled  in  old  age  to  continue  in  real  usefulness  to 
her  brethren  in  Christ,  having  the  gift  of  communi- 
cating to  others  of  the  work  of  God  in  her  own 
soul.  Pray,  if  you  think  of  it,  remember  me  to  her 
when  you  write,  and  assure  her  how  thankfully  I 
recall  her  visit  to  my  dearest  husband  at  Wiltbad, 
in  1857,  when  she  sat  with  us  through  the  afternoon, 
and  uttered  so  many  words  of  Christian  love  and 
eloquence. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


347 


Mary  Whitall  to  E.  P.  G. 

First  mo.  30th,  1873. 

...  I  had  such  a  lovely  visit  to  thee  in  my  wan- 
derings in  dreamland  that  I  can  hardly  think  of  thee 
as  on  a  sick-bed, — thou  came  before  me  then  in  such 
a  glow  of  health,  and  I  walked  with  thee  over  thy 
house,  where  everything  was  so  bright  and  fresh ; 
the  rays  of  the  brightest  sunshine  pierced  every  cor- 
ner, and  I  repeated  in  my  sleep  some  lines  of  poetry 
that  I  had  not  seen  or  thought  of  for  a  long  time, — 

"  The  sun  shone  on  her  house  by  day, 
By  night  the  moonbeams  fair, 
And  as  of  old  in  Israel, 

'Twas  never  darkness  there," — 

and  then  tried  to  repeat  to  thee  the  following,  but 
could  only  get  hold  of  a  line  or  two : 

"  He  is  my  Lord,  my  Love,  my  all. 

The  sweetness  of  my  life ; 
He  is  my  strength  in  weakness.  He 

Strives  with  me  in  the  strife. 
I  am  in  Him  and  He  in  me, 

My  only  hope  and  stay; 
In  Him  I  take  my  rest  by  night, 

In  Him  I  work  by  day." 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

It  was  just  lovely,  and  West  Hill  seemed  like  a 
little  heaven ;  and  when  I  woke,  and  thought  how 
thou  hadst  been  going  about  comforting  others,  I 
could  rejoicingly  believe  that  joy  and  peace  would 
be  given  thee. 

E.  P.  Gurney's  constant  and  helpful  friend,  Wil- 
liam J.  Allinson,  died  in  Burlington,  Sixth  month, 
1874.    His  widow,  Rebecca  W.  Allinson,  writes: 

Eighth  mo.  i8th,  1874. 

.  .  .  My  thoughts  have  been  closely  drawn 
toward  thee  in  a  fellowship  of  sympathy  unknown 
before  in  the  same  degree.  I  know  now,  my  pre- 
cious friend,  what  it  is  to  be  glad  for  those  who  rest 
from  their  labors,  while  a  sense  of  utter  bereavement, 
as  regards  an  almost  life-long  companionship,  comes 
over  one  at  moments  with  crushing  weight.  The 
thirty-five  years  of  our  union  cover  reminiscences 
blended  with  all  that  was  lovely  and  of  good  report, 
often  mingled  with  trial  and  proving,  but  still, 

"  Through  rough  ascent  and  even  slope, 
Permitting  us  to  mourn  with  hope," 

and  to  rejoice  with  trembling.  And  then  it  will  be 
only  a  little  while  and  we  may  join  the  general 
assembly  in  our  Father's  house  on  high. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 

I  was  rejoiced  to  hear  thou  wast  with  the  mourn- 
ing company  assembled  on  First  day  morning,  and 
enabled  to  testify  to  the  truth.  Words  are  inade- 
quate to  express  my  sense  of  what  thy  sympathy 
and  Christian  love  have  been  and  still  are  to  all  of 
us. 

The  pure,  beautiful  shell  is  lovely  to  look  upon, 
and  seems  to  bear  with  it  sweet  thoughts  of  ocean's 
tossings,  and  of  the  time  when  there  shall  be  "  no 
more  sea." 

E.  P.  Gurney  greatly  enjoyed  a  short  visit  about 
this  time  from  William  Edward  Forster,  M.P.,  since 
Chief  Secretary  for  Ireland,  the  son  of  her  lamented 
friend,  William  Forster,  together  with  Sir  T.  Fowell 
Buxton,  grandson  of  the  philanthropist  of  Se  same 
name,  who  were  spending  a  few  weeks  in  America. 
The  former  was  again  at  West  Hill  rather  later. 

E.  P.  G.  wrote  to  M.  Whitall : 

And  now  what  shall  I  say  of  the  delightful  time 
we  have  had  with  our  deeply-interesting  and  distin- 
guished visitor  ?  He  came  to  us  most  unexpectedly 
on  Seventh  day,  and  left  on  Second,  but  not  until  we 
had  had  two  or  three  precious  hours  of  his  company, 
including  a  sweet  little  reading  and  a  heart-tendering 

farewell,  because  we  fully  realized  that  it  would  be 

30 


350      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

the  last.  How  I  did  long  for  some  of  you  beloved 
ones  then !  Both  mind  and  heart  were  so  entirely 
unlocked,  and  he  appeared  to  such  peculiar  advan- 
tage. Those  who  just  see  him  for  a  moment  can 
scarcely  appreciate  the  wealth  of  his  affections,  the 
riches  of  his  intellect,  the  sparkling  humor,  which  so 
reminds  me  of  his  uncle  Buxton,  and  the  remarkable 
straightforwardness  which  from  his  earliest  years 
have  marked  his  course.  I  was  so  glad  to  have  the 
opportunity  of  talking  intimately  with  him  about  my 
dear  home  relatives  in  England,  John  Henry  most 
especially,  of  whom  he  spoke  in  terms  to  please 
even  me. 

Catharine  M.  Brown  to  E.  P.  G. 

...  I  can  hardly  tell  thee  the  gratification  it  has 
been  to  me  to  read  again  and  again,  with  many 
memories,  thy  little  volume,  Heart  Utterances." 
It  seems  to  me  there  may  be  only  a  few  left  who  can 
look  back  through  the  very  same  years,  beginning 
at  Frankford  and  Westtown,  and  all  the  way  forward 
through  our  long  and  marked  pilgrimages, — who  can 
read  those  pieces  and  trace  them  with  more  interest 
than  I  have  done.  Now,  is  this  egotism  ?  My  eyes 
are  dim,  but  it  feels  like  love.  ...  I  can  hardly  tell 
which  I  like  the  best,  but  When  the  eagle  stirreth 
up  her  nest"  seems  just  now  to  come  impressively  to 


ELIZA  P.  GUKNEY.  351 

my  heart;  and  surely,  my  dear  friend,  thou  hast 
deeply  known  all  its  truths.  The  sweetest  balm  for 
all  we  suffer  is  to  feel  and  believe 

"  'Tis  only  the  Parent  hand  of  Love 
That  is  stirring  up  the  nest." 

J.  B.  Braithwaite  to  E.  P.  G.,  on  the  death  of 
her  beloved  and  honored  friend,  John  Hodg- 
kin. 

Eighth  mo.,  1875. 

Surely  these  losses  are  designed  to  draw  us  more 
close  to  Him  in  whom  it  hath  pleased  the  Father  that 
all  fulness  should  dwell.  The  longer  I  live  the  more 
I  love  to  rest  upon  the  words  "  Jesus  Christ,  the 
same  yesterday,  to-day,  and  forever."  And  yet, 
though  we  know  that  all  our  springs  are  in  Him, 
we  cannot  but  deeply  feel  when  the  vessels  are  taken 
away  which  were  w^ont  to  convey  to  us  such  precious 
draughts  from  the  living  w^ell. 

E.  P.  G.  to  M.  Whitall. 

(No  date.) 

I  have  been  hourly  longing  to  acknowledge  thy 
precious  little  farewell  paper  messenger,  with  all  of 
which  my  spirit  has  true  unity,  but  most  especially 
with  the  latter  part  of  it,  to  which  I  say  "  Amen" 
with  all  my  heart.    I  often  long  to  quit  the  "  debata- 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

ble  land"  forever,  it  is  so  thoroughly  unprofitable  to 
dwell  upon  disputed  points,  and  always  leaves  one 
utterly  impoverished. 

"  Why  should  we  differ  by  the  way  ? 
Why  should  dissensions  come? 
We  hope  to  spend  an  endless  day 
In  one  eternal  home." 

Give  my  warmest  love  to  thy  dear  and  honored 
husband.  Although  we  seldom  meet,  I  always  think 
of  him  as  one  whose  silent  ministry  testifies  loudly 
to  the  truth  of  the  inspired  language,  that  "  the  work 
of  righteousness  is  peace,  and  the  effect  thereof  qui- 
etness and  assurance  forever."  .  .  .  While  some  of 
the  dear,  zealous  Friends  in  Philadelphia  are  striving 
about  words  to  little  profit,  and  warming  themselves 
with  coals  of  their  own  kindling,  I  have  been  refresh- 
ing my  spirit  by  looking  over  some  delightful  letters 
from  veterans  in  the  army  of  the  Lamb,  who  are  now 
engaged  in  singing  living  praises  unto  Him  who 
hath  washed  them  from  their  sins  in  His  own  pre- 
cious blood,  such  as  dear  William  Forster,  Edward 
Pease,  Stephen  Grellet,  John  Cox,  and  others. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


353 


J.  B.  Braithwaite  to  E.  P.  G. 

Fourth  mo.  24th,  1876. 

I  have  been  thinking  much  of  you  during  your 
Yearly  Meeting,  which  is,  I  presume,  now  over. 
The  state  of  things  is  pecuHarly  trying  to  the  faith, 
especially  for  those  who  desire  steadily  to  pursue  the 
even  tenor  of  their  way,  without  turning  aside  to 
either  extreme,  but  looking  with  the  single  eye  unto 
the  one  Lord.  I  feel  deeply  for  our  dear  young 
friends.  The  responsibility  of  the  Church  on  their 
account  is  very  great.  The  sense  of  it  often  makes 
me  humble.  But  deeply  as  we  may  feel,  nothing 
should  induce  us  to  put  forth  our  hands  to  stay  the 
tottering  Ark  in  our  own  wisdom.  The  Lord's  own 
time  and  method  must  be  waited  for.  In  the  mean 
time  we  must  watch  with  the  listening  ear  and  the 
willing  and  obedient  heart.  Prayer,  deep,  fervent, 
and  believing,  must  be  the  atmosphere  in  which  we 
live.  And  I  have  faith  to  believe  that  our  gracious 
Lord,  who  has  raised  us  up  to  bear  testimony  to  so 
many  precious  portions  of  His  truth,  will  in  His 
mercy  bless  us  and  do  us  good,  healing  our'back- 
slidings  and  divisions,  and  uniting  us  in  His  love. 

30* 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


Elizabeth  Hodgkin  to  E.  P.  G. 

Bournemouth,  Ninth  mo.  loth,  1876. 

My  beloved  Cousin, — I  trust  thou  wilt  not  meas- 
ure my  gratitude  for  thy  letter  by  my  slowness  in 
acknowledging  it.  I  did  highly  appreciate  the  effort 
thou  made  in  writing  me,  and  I  thank  thee  from  the 
depths  of  my  wearied  heart  for  those  understand- 
ing words  of  sympathy.  Yes,  it  is  the  widow  who 
alone  can  understand  the  new-made  widow's  an- 
guish. One  year  has  rolled  away  since  my  lovely 
Nellie  went  home,  the  first  overwhelming  grief, — I 
believe  more  heavy  now,  being  unshared  by  him 
who  best  knew  my  heart's  sorrow,  and  for  my  sake 
concealed  his  own.  But  it  crushed  him ;  he  never 
rallied,  and  in  three  months  the  death-wound  fell  on 
him.  .  .  .  Oh,  how  often  our  heart  and  lips  are  now 
saying,  Oh,  to  be  over  yonder,"  where  there  is  no 
more  separation,  "  in  the  presence  of  the  King !" 

I  am  truly  grieved  to  hear  of  dear,  kind  Dr.  Tay- 
lor's failing  health.  I  seem  to  love  and  value  him 
now  more  than  ever,  so  closely  is  his  memory  bound 
with  my  precious  husband. 

E.  P.  G.  to  M.  Whitall. 

(No  date.) 

.  .  .  Since  thou  wast  here  I  have  been  listening 
to   's  critique,  and  think  it  excellent,  as  far  as 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  355 

it  goes ;  that  is  to  say,  I  entirely  unite  with  her  views 
in  reference  to  justification  by  faith.  But  has  she 
not  laid  herself  open  to  the  mystical  remarks  of  her 
opponent  by  stopping  short  of  the  whole  plan  of 
salvation  through  a  once  -  suffering  and  crucified 
Saviour,  a  now  risen  and  reigning  Lord?  Has  she 
not  given  an  undue  prominence  to  the  blessed  and 
glorious  work  that  has  been  done  for  us  without  us, 
to  the  utter  exclusion  of  the  equally  blessed  and  all- 
important  work  which  must  be  accomplished  within 
us,  before  we  can  be  made  meet  for  the  heavenly 
inheritance  that  has  been  purchased  for  us,  and  to 
which  we  can  have  no  possible  claim  but  the  free, 
unmerited  mercy  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  ?    While  I 

would  utterly  ignore  the  unsound  views  of  , 

I  must  confess  my  Bible  teaches  me  that  I  must 
not  only  be  freed  from  the  guilt,  but  also  from  the 
pollution,  of  sin, — not  only  be  justified  by  faith,  but 
sanctified  by  the  Spirit;  for  Christ  loved  the  Church, 
and  gave  Himself  for  it,  that  He  might  sanctify  and 
cleanse  it  with  the  washing  of  water  by  the  Word, 
that  He  might  present  it  to  Himself  a  glorious 
Church,  not  having  spot  or  wrinkle  or  any  such 
thing.  So  that,  while  justification  gives  us  the  title 
to  the  mansion  in  the  Father's  house,  sanctification 
must  give  us  the  fitness  for  it,  for  "  without  holiness 
no  man  can  see  the  Lord."    Dost  thou  remember 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

what  Jay  says  on  this  disputed  question  ? — "  The 
one  regards  something  done  for  us ;  the  other,  some- 
thing done  in  us.  The  one  is  a  change  in  our  state; 
the  other,  a  change  in  our  nature.  The  one  is  per- 
fect at  once,  the  other  is  gradual.  We  need  the  one 
as  well  as  the  other;  for  if  we  were  not  sanctified  as 
well  as  justified,  we  could  neither  serve  God  prop- 
erly nor  enjoy  Him.  Suppose  an  unrenewed  man 
pardoned  :  he  would  be  no  more  able  to  see  the 
kingdom  of  God  than  before,  but  would  feel  the 
company,  the  pleasures,  and  the  enjoyments  of  the 
heavenly  state  uncongenial  and  irksome.  Or  sup- 
pose you  had  a  son,  and  you  forbade  him  to  enter 
a  place  of  contagion,  on  pain  of  losing  all  you  could 
leave  him  :  he  goes,  and  is  seized  with  the  infection. 
He  thus  is  not  only  guilty  by  transgressing  your 
command,  but  he  is  also  diseased ;  and  do  you  not 
perceive  that  your  forgiving  him  does  not  heal  him  ? 
He  wants  not  only  the  father's  pardon,  but  the 
physician's  aid,  and  in  vain  is  he  freed  from  the 
forfeiture  of  his  estate  if  he  be  left  under  the  power 
of  the  disorder."    Excuse  my  scribbling  on  at  such 

a  rate.    I  was  so  much  interested  by  dear   's 

capital  presentation  of  one-half  the  gospel  plan,  as 
I  consider  it,  that  my  pen  would  not  be  restrained 
from  adding  the  other.  Wouldst  thou  mind  sending 
her  the  accompanying  tract  of  Bishop  Mcllvaine, 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


357 


with  my  dear  love,  and  ask  her  what  she  thinks  of  it  ? 
He  is  considered  one  of  our  soundest  theologians. 
But  I  should  like  to  quote  a  line  or  two  from  our 
own  beloved  and  honored  William  Forster:  "Oh, 
how  I  love  to  dwell  upon  the  mercies  of  God  in 
Christ  Jesus !  How  it  humbles  the  pride  of  man 
into  the  very  dust  of  his  unworthiness.  And  when 
applied  under  the  animating  influence  of  the  Spirit, 
how  it  raises  the  soul  in  hope  of  an  inheritance 
incorruptible  in  the  heavens !  No  room  for  the 
creature,  its  own  works,  its  own  merits,  its  own 
excellences  !  There  every  crown  is  cast  down  at 
the  footstool  of  the  Redeemer,  and  Christ  within 
and  Christ  without  becomes  our  hope  of  glory, — not 
one  without  the  other,  but  both  in  blessed  unison, 
exalting  His  own  praise !" 

E.  P.  G.  to  M.  Whitall  (on  the  death  of  John 
M.  Whitall). 

Sixth  mo.,  1877. 

I  trust  I  shall  not  weary  thee,  my  own  dear  friend, 
but  I  must  send  one  line,  if  only  to  assure  thee  that 
thy  sweet  letter  was  a  true  help  and  comfort  to  me 
yesterday, — more  so  than  I  can  possibly  describe. 
...  I  have  so  followed  thee  from  day  to  day  and 
hour  to  hour,  and  in  the  silent  watches  of  the  night 
the  breathing  of  my  spirit  for  thee  is,  May  the  Lord 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

bless  and  keep  thee,  lift  up  the  light  of  His  glorious 
countenance  upon  thee,  and  give  thee  peace !  Thy 
precious  husband's  message  was  a  real  comfort  to 
me.  It  is  so  sweet  to  think  of  him  as  "  safe  in  the 
arms  of  Jesus,  safe  on  the  Saviour's  breast !" — safe 
for  Time,  safe  for  Eternity  !  "  Blessed  are  the  poor 
in  spirit,  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven." 
"  Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart,  for  they  shall  see 
God."  Surely  these  beatitudes  belong  to  him.  And 
there  is  one  which  at  this  moment  rises  in  my  heart, 
as  more  especially  appropriate  to  the  beloved  ones 
who  are  gathering  around  him  :  "  Blessed  are  they 
that  mourn,  for  they  shall  be  comforted." 

I  feel  sure,  my  beloved  friend,  thy  prayer  for  a 
submissive  spirit  will  be  answered.  Indeed,  I  think 
thou  dost  already  realize  that  it  is  "  sweet  to  lie 
passive  in  His  hand,  and  know  no  will  but  His." 

E.  P.  G.  to  M.  Whitall. 

(No  date.) 

My  precious  Friend. —  ...  In  bidding  thee 
lovingly  farewell,  I  am  comforted  and  cheered  by 
the  persuasion  that  thou  art  indeed  a  portion  of  the 
vineyard  of  the  heavenly  Husbandman,  which  He 
Himself  hath  blessed,  of  which  He  has  said  so 
sweetly,  "I,  the  Lord,  do  keep  it;  I  will  water  it 
every  moment ;  lest  any  hurt  it,  I  will  keep  it  night 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  359 

and  day."  Then  to  His  tender  care  I  do  confidingly 
commit  thee,  for  life  or  death.  Perhaps  He  may  see 
meet  that  we  should  look  upon  each  other's  faces 
once  again  in  mutability ;  if  not,  I  reverently  believe 
that,  through  the  fulness  of  His  own  atoning  mercy, 
He  will  unite  our  ransomed  spirits  in  that  better 
land,  where  there  is  no  more  sorrow,  no  more  sepa- 
ration, no  more  sin,  and  no  more  death,  but  where, 
with  those  most  tenderly  beloved  ones  who  have 
gone  before  us,  we  may  unite  in  singing  praises  unto 
Him  who  hath  redeemed  us  with  His  own  precious 
blood.  So  be  it,  saith  my  soul.  I  bid  thee  most 
affectionately  farewell  in  the  Lord,  and  am  thy  faith- 
fully attached  and  grateful  friend. 

E.  P.  G.  to  M.  Whitall. 

"Dearly  beloved  and  longed  for,"--I  am  sure 
I  can  adopt  this  language  of  the  apostle  in  all  sin- 
cerity, for  I  do  love  thee  dearly,  and  long  to  see  thee 
more  than  I  can  say,  although  appearances  are  cer- 
tainly against  me,  not  having  written  thee  a  line 
since  our  sweet  parting  at  Atlantic  City.  But  how 
often  have  I  thought  of  thee  with  true  and  tender 
sympathy,  how  often  have  I  longed  to  share  the 
pressure  which  I  well  know  at  times  weighs  down 
thy  spirit,  even  when  thy  lips  are  uttering  praises 
unto  Him  who  dealeth  tenderly  with  His  believing 


360      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

children  !  All  are  partakers  of  the  cup  of  mixture  ; 
but  how  sweet  to  realize  that  it  is  in  a  loving 
Father's  hand,  that  He  poureth  out  the  same,  and 
giveth  to  His  dear  adopted  children  just  so  much  of 
joy  and  sorrow  as  He  sees  there  is  a  need  be"  for ! 
Thus,  I  assuredly  believe.  He  has  been  dealing  with 
thee,  and  the  cheerful  resignation  of  thy  spirit  is  an 
acceptable  sacrifice  unto  Him. 

I  rather  hoped  to  have  seen  our  dear  friend, 
Stanley  Pumphrey,  at  meeting  this  morning,  but,  as 
usual,  we  were  left  to  ourselves;  and  now  that  R. 
W.  Allinson  is  gone,  it  is  really  a  lonely  allotment. 
Only  Sarah  R.  Smith  and  Robert  Thomas  in  the 
gallery,  and  not  a  single  utterance  but  my  own, 
which  I  had  hardly  faith  enough  to  render  audible. 
Oh,  how  I  miss  the  help  of  thy  dear,  sympathizing 
spirit  at  such  times  as  these !  It  was  a  real  comfort 
to  me  at  Atlantic  City,  especially  at  the  little  cottage 
meetings,  in  which  there  certainly  did  seem  to  be  as 
much  solemnity  as  in  the  larger  ones.  But  they  are 
all  passed  away  like  a  dream,  and  probably  I  shall 
never  be  there  again.  However,  "  secret  things  be- 
long unto  the  Lord  our  God,"  and  those  that  suffer 
according  to  His  holy  will  must  commit  the  keep- 
ing of  their  souls  unto  Him  in  well  doing  as  unto 
a  faithful  Creator.  We  know  in  whom  we  have 
believed,  and  are  persuaded  that  He  is  able  to  keep 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEV.  3^1 

that  which  we  have  committed  unto  Him  against 
that  day. 

Speaking  of  Stanley  Pumphrey,  I  was  fain  to  say 
that  when  I  heard  of  his  being  so  weighted  by  the 
prospect  before  him,  I  felt  quite  drawn  to  him  in 
tender  sympathy.  Truly  it  is  no  light  thing  to 
speak  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  at  such  a  time  as 
this,  and  I  think  he  will  feel  it  to  be  so. 

E.  P.  G.  to  M.  Whitall. 

(No  date.) 

...  I  have  been  completely  absorbed  by  the 
deeply  interesting  little  memoir  (of  John  M.  Whitall). 
Dear  H.  has  given  us  such  a  life-like  picture  of  thy 
precious  husband  that  I  can  almost  fancy  I  have 
been  conversing  with  him  and  have  seen  the  twinkle 
in  his  laughing  eye ;  but  nothing  has  recalled  him 
with  such  sweetness  as  his  own  faithful  record  of 
his  inner  life,  his  honest  statement  of  his  hits  and 
misses,  and  his  graphic  description  of  all  the  way 
his  blessed  Lord  had  led  him  throughout  the  perils 
of  the  wilderness,  "  to  humble  him  and  to  prove 
him,  and  to  know  what  was  in  his  heart,  whether  he 
would  serve  him,  yea  or  nay,"  thus  sealing  it  upon 
his  dedicated  servant's  spirit  that  "  man  doth  not  live 
by  bread  alone,  but  by  every  word  which  proceed- 
eth  out  of  the  mouth  of  God."    Indeed,  I  have  felt 

31 


362      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

it  quite  refreshing  in  these  modern  times  to  dwell 
on  the  experience  of  a  "  Quaker  of  the  olden  time," 
when  men  had  fellowship  one  with  another,  and  re- 
alized for  themselves  that  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ 
cleanseth  from  all  sin.  But  I  must  not  enlarge.  In 
these  days  of  physical  infirmity,  when  my  heart  and 
my  flesh  are  failing  me,  I  desire  to  be  clothed  with 
fervent  charity,  and  to  "owe  no  man  anything,  but  to 
love  one  another."  Is  it  not  sweet  to  feel,  my  own 
dear  friend,  that  the  Great  Shepherd  of  the  sheep  is 
watching  over  us,  and  that  He  does  keep  those  in 
perfect  peace  whose  minds  are  stayed  on  Him, 
because  they  are  trusting  in  Him  ?  The  breathing 
of  my  spirit  at  this  moment  is  that,  even  though 
the  billows  may  be  suffered  to  arise  and  agitate  and 
discompose  the  surface,  the  very  peace  of  God, 
which  passeth  understanding,  may  keep  thy  heart 
and  mind  through  Jesus  Christ." 

E.  P.  Gurney's  love  for  children  was  a  prominent 
characteristic.  The  daily  visits  of  her  niece's  little 
ones,  living  near  by,  were  an  unceasing  pleasure; 
and  her  cordial  greeting  and  endless  store  of  inter- 
esting converse  and  amusement  made  her  chair  a 
centre  of  rare  enjoyment  to  them. 

A  widowed  niece,  with  her  little  daughter,  about 
three  years  of  age,  resided  with  E.  P.  Gurney  at 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  363 

West  Hill.  The  winning  ways  and  sweet  disposition 
of  the  child  had  endeared  her  very  closely  to  her 
aunt,  and  she  seemed  the  sunshine  of  the  house. 
But  a  sudden  attack  of  scarlet  fever  took  her  from 
their  loving  arms,  and  E.  P.  Gurney  was  again 
plunged  into  deep,  but  not  hopeless,  mourning. 
Most  touching  and  appropriate  were  the  words 
quoted  by  a  dear  friend  at  the  little  grave  :  "  Suffer 
the  little  children  and  forbid  them  not  to  come  unto 
me,  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven." 

E.  P.  G.  to  H.  K.  H. 

West  Hill,  First  mo.,  1879. 
I  know  thou  hast  been  with  us  in  spirit  while  the 
waves  and  the  billows  have  been  passing  over  us, 
and  it  has  seemed  at  seasons  as  if  the  water  flood 
must  overwhelm,  but — blessed  be  the  name  of  our 
compassionate  Saviour! — He  has  not  suffered  the 
deep  to  swallow  us  up,  though  truly  He  has  "  sore 
broken  us  in  the  valley  of  humiliation,  and  covered 
us  with  the  shadow  of  death."  Thou  canst  hardly 
imagine  the  depths  we  have  been  passing  through, 
or  the  wrench  it  has  been  to  some  of  us  to  part  for- 
ever with  this  darling  child,  who  had  twined  herself 
so  closely  round  every  fibre  of  our  clinging  hearts, 
— parted  forever,  as  regards  this  fleeting  scene,  but  I 
confidingly  believe  there  is  a  glorious  meeting-place 


2 64      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

where,  through  the  fulness  of  redeeming  mercy,  all 
the  Lord's  ransomed  children  will  be  safely  gar- 
nered. .  .  .  Do  not  think,  dearest  H.,  because  I  have 
dwelt  so  much  on  the  heartrending  sorrow  of  giving 
up  this  precious  little  one,  that  unmitigated  grief  has 
been  our  portion.  So  far  from  this,  that  loving  Sa- 
viour, one  of  whose  blessed  offices  it  is  to  comfort 
all  that  mourn,  has  been  very  near  to  His  sorrowing 
children,  pouring  the  balm  of  healing  into  every 
stricken  heart,  very  remarkably  into  dear,  precious 

 's,  who,  while  writhing  under  the  weight  of  His 

chastening  hand,  has  been  enabled  to  magnify  the 
name  of  the  holy  Chastener.  I  have  rarely  ever 
witnessed  a  more  striking  instance  of  the  power  of 
Divine  grace  to  elevate  the  soul  above  the  crushing 
trials  of  the  present  hour  and  fill  it  with  thanksgiving 
and  the  voice  of  melody. 

E.  P.  Gurney's  feelings  sought  expression  in  the 
following  lines : 

Not  lost,  my  darling  Elsie,  but  only  gone  before, 

To  give  us  joyful  greeting  upon  the  other  shore, — 

To  welcome  those  who  love  thee  to  thy  genial  home  in  heaven, 

Where  thou  art  now  rejoicing  with  the  washed  and  the  forgiven, 

With  all  the  ransomed  company  who  circle  round  the  Throne, 

The  palm  of  victory  in  their  hand,  the  crown  of  glory  on ! 

Oh,  who  would  bring  thee  back  to  earth,  with  all  its  hidden  snares. 

Its  sorrows,  its  perplexities,  its  burdens,  and  its  cares  ? 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 


Yet  how  we  miss  ihee,  Elsie  !  we  miss  thy  gleeful  tone, 
Thy  gentle  step,  thy  ringing  laugh,  thou  precious  little  one  ! 
We  sadly  miss  thy  look  of  love,  thy  words  of  tenderness. 
Thy  mother's  arms  are  empty  now ;  she  can  no  longer  press 
The  babe  she  loved  so  dearly  to  her  poor  stricken  heart. 
Oh,  it  was  agony  indeed  from  that  sweet  child  to  part ; 
But  she  turned  the  eye  of  faith  to  heaven,  that  she  might  there  be- 
hold 

Her  precious  little  lambkin,  safe  in  the  Saviour's  fold. 
**  Mamma,  I  do  love  Jesus,"  were  the  solemn  words  she  said, 
Then  on  her  gentle  Saviour's  breast  pillowed  her  wearied  head. 
Singing  with  the  whole  host  of  heaven  the  everlasting  song, 
To  Him  who  washed  us  in  His  blood  glory  and  praise  belong." 

The  winter  of  1879-80  was  unusually  prolific  of 
sorrow  to  E.  P.  Gurney.  In  the  First  month,  1880, 
died  her  near  neighbor  and  long-loved  friend,  Dr. 
Joseph  W.  Taylor,  a  man  upon  whose  sterling  worth 
and  clear  judgment  she  had  been  accustomed  to  rely 
with  confidence,  and  who  was  always  prompt  to  ren- 
der his  efificient  aid  in  her  varied  needs.  Samuel 
Bettle  and  Mary  Whitall,  of  Philadelphia,  with  both 
of  whom  she  had  maintained  a  close  friendship  for 
many  years,  were  also  removed  by  death  after  a 
short  interval,  leaving  with  her  a  sense  of  sore  be- 
reavement and  loneliness. 

E.  P.  Gurney  had  arranged  and  published,  under 
the  title  of  "  The  Garland,"  a  number  of  her  favorite 

31* 


366      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

poems,  generally  of  a  devotional  character.  A  col- 
lection of  some  of  her  own  poetical  effusions  was 
afterward  printed  for  private  circulation,  entitled 
"  Heart  Utterances  at  Various  Periods  of  a  Checkered 
Life."  Reference  is  made  to  the  latter  volume  in  the 
following  letters. 

Joel  Bean  to  E.  P.  G. 

West  Branch,  Fourth  mo.  14th,  1881. 
...  I  am  disposed  to  take  the  pen  to  send  thee 
at  least  a  message  of  love.    Anna  Potts  mentioned 
lately  thy  eightieth  birthday.    Years  ago  it  was  one 
of  thy  heart  utterances, — 

"  Alas  !  they  have  left  me  all  alone 
By  the  receding  tide  ; 
But,  oh  !  the  countless  multitudes 
Upon  the  other  side  !" 

We  think  of  thee  as  in  one  sense  more  alone  than 
often  falls  to  the  lot  of  the  Zionward  pilgrim.  Yet, 
in  a  better  sense,  we  can  think  of  no  one  less  alone. 
He  who  was  thy  morning  light  is  thy  evening  song, 
as  He  leads  thee  still  through  proving  and  lonely 
paths  to  larger  knowledge  and  deeper  experience  of 
the  unsearchable  riches  of  His  grace.  He  is  ever 
with  thee,  whether  with  the  conscious  shining  of 
His  face  to  comfort  and  lift  thy  spirit  up,  or  with  a 


ELIZA  P.   GURNEY.  36^ 

veil  to  make  thee  long  more  and  press  closer  to  His 
side.  And  not  alone  His  companionship:  the  moun- 
tain is  full  about  thee.  "  Ye  are  come  to  ]\Iount  , 
Zion,  to  the  general  assembly  and  Church  of  the 
first-born,  whose  names  are  written  in  heaven,  and  to 
God,  the  Judge  of  all,  and  to  the  spirits  of  just  men 
made  perfect." 

Hannah  E.  Bean  to  E.  P.  G. 

Fourth  mo.  1 6th,  1S81. 

Beloved  Friend, — Our  thoughts  have  been  much 
with  thee  of  late,  and  ever  with  the  heart-cheering 
feeling  that,  although  feebleness  of  body  may  be  thy 
portion,  yet  He  who  has  so  eminently  been  the  . 
health  of  thy  countenance  and  thy  God"  has  thee 
so  safely  sheltered  under  His  Almighty  wing  that 
the  strength  of  His  spirit  is  thine.  Faithfully  hast 
thou  labored  for  thy  King  while  health  and  strength 
were  given;  now  He  has  drawn  thee  aside  to  the 
holy  mount,  w^here,  as  He  prompts  the  vocal  or  un- 
uttered  prayers  for  the  Church  and  the  individual 
workers  in  the  vineyard,  they  arise  as  sweet  incense, 
''golden  vials  full  of  odors."  For  the  Church's  sake, 
we  long  that  thou  mayst  tarry  long  in  the  land  of 
Beulah ;  but  earnest  is  the  prayer  of  my  heart  that 
our  Father  will  send  many  and  continually  brighter 
tokens  of  His  love  to  thee,  both  instrumentally 


368      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

through  the  dear  ones  who  daily  minister  to  thee, 
and  absent  ones  who  cherish  thy  image,  and  ever  by 
His  own  best  gift  of  Himself.  I  have  graven  thee 
upon  the  palms  of  my  hands ;  thy  name  is  contin- 
ually before  me."  Purchased,  redeemed,  sanctified, 
what  can  we  ask  more  for  thee  but  that  patient  en- 
durance of  the  last  tests  may  be  rewarded  with  His 
peace  here  and  the  crown  hereafter? 

It  would  seem  superfluous  to  attempt  any  fuller 
delineation  of  E.  P.  Gurney's  religious  character 
than  has  been  already  set  forth  in  some  of  the  fore- 
going pages.  Her  ministry,  like  her  correspond- 
ence, gave  no  uncertain  sound;  and  she  had  a  happy 
facility  in  conveying  distinctly  to  others  her  own 
clear  views  of  gospel  truth.  Her  public  addresses 
were  seldom  of  great  length,  but  delivered  with 
much  dignity  and  solemnity  of  manner,  and  distinct, 
deliberate  utterance,  and  were  especially  attractive  to 
the  young.  Unshrinking  when  her  duty  required 
the  delivery  of  solemn  warning  or  serious  admo- 
nition, yet  the  love  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  was  her 
favorite  theme,  the  key  to  all  her  interpretations  of 
Scripture.  Controversy  on  points  of  minor  impor- 
tance was  especially  distasteful  to  her,  as  well  as  all 
radical  views  in  doctrine  or  Church  polity.  She 
once  wrote,  "  Extremes  are  painful  and  oppressive 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  369 

to  me,  be  they  on  which  side  they  may.  I  prefer 
the  middle  of  the  middle  way."  She  loved  peace 
for  its  own  sake,  and  delighted  to  dwell  on  the  olden 
days,  when  the  name  of  Friend  conveyed  no  thought 
of  coldness  or  estrangement. 

"  For  there  was  freedom  in  that  wakening  time 
Of  tender  souls ;  to  differ  was  not  crime  : 
The  varying  bells  made  up  the  perfect  chime." 

The  promotion  of  social  intercourse  and  the  main- 
tenance of  mutual  interest,  especially  by  those  who 
were  prominent  in  the  religious  Society  of  which  she 
was  a  member,  were  regarded  by  her  as  important 
duties.  She  wrote,  in  reference  to  one  who  had  failed 
in  these  respects :  "  I  thought,  surely  this  is  only 
fulfilling  a  part  of  the  mission, — preaching  the  word, 
but  not  being  willing  to  communicate;  reproving, 
rebuking,  exhorting  in  the  public  gatherings,  but 
wholly  neglecting  in  the  social  circle  to  'rejoice  with 
them  that  do  rejoice,  and  to  weep  with  those  who 
weep.'  Is  it  not  a  slighting  of  the  exhortation, 
*  Bear  ye  one  another's  burdens,  and  so  fulfil  the  law 
of  Christ'  ?" 

Her  own  example  in  this  respect  was  remarkable. 
She  possessed  the  happy  faculty  of  drawing  out  the 
latent  powers  of  others,  and  her  conversation  was 
rich  with  the  ripened  fruits  of  her  large  experience, 


-^yO      MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

and  marked  with  the  Christian  charity  that  thinketh 
no  evil.  She  opened  her  mouth  with  wisdom,  and 
in  her  tongue  was  the  law  of  kindness."  Her  heart 
instinctively  prompted  her  to  share  with  others  what- 
ever good  she  might  possess,  and  when,  as  so  often 
happened,  she  had  guests  whose  conversation  she 
thought  would  especially  interest  or  edify  her  neigh- 
bors, they  were  freely  invited  to  partake  with  her  of 
the  intellectual  feast. 

Some  passages  from  one  or  two  of  the  many  inter- 
esting letters  received  after  her  departure  may  per- 
haps be  properly  inserted  here. 

Dr.  J.  C.  T.  to  G.  B.  K. 

Eleventh  mo.  9th,  1881. 

.  .  .  The  charm  of  her  graceful  and  brilliant  con- 
versation was  peculiarly  her  own,  and  it  was  always 
a  privilege  to  be  permitted  to  be  with  her.  Few 
persons  have  been  possessed  of  so  great  an  endow- 
ment of  heart  and  mind,  to  which  her  varied  ac- 
quaintance with  men  and  manners  gave  additional 
interest.  Her  association  with  the  Society  of 
Friends  has  embraced  all  the  periods  of  deepest  in- 
terest in  its  history  for  the  last  sixty  years.  She 
might  truly  have  said,  "  All  of  which  I  saw,  and  part 
of  which  I  was."  Her  work  as  a  young  woman  with 
Hannah  C.  Backhouse  and  her  marriage  with  J.  J. 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 

Gurney  in  after-years,  threw  her  into  the  fore-front 
of  the  agencies  which  saved  the  Society  in  this  coun- 
try and  in  England  from  Socinianism.  How  greatly 
she  enjoyed,  how  keenly  she  suffered  during  those 
eventful  periods!  Of  her  own  service  as  a  Christian 
and  as  a  minister  of  Christ  all  with  whom  she  min- 
gled can  testify.  She  had  pre-eminently  the  pro- 
phetic gift,  and  spoke  directly  to  the  states  of  her 
hearers.  .  .  . 

H.  L.  Neall  to  H.  K.  H. 

February  17th,  1882. 

...  A  most  rare  and  exceedingly  lovely  woman 
was  thy  beloved  aunt.  She  had  the  gift  of  knowing 
when  and  where  to  touch  sin  for  healing,  sorrow 
for  comforting,  evil  for  reproving,  grief  for  con- 
soling. She  carried  with  her  an  aroma  of  sweetness 
and  purity  that  made  Christianity  lovely  and  to  be 
desired  as  a  joy  and  happiness;  she  exemplified  in 
her  daily  walk  its  refining  and  beautifying  influence. 
She  made  goodness  attractive  for  its  own  sake,  and 
won  the  timid  and  distrustful  to  confidence  and  trust 
in  the  love  which  permeated  her  own  life.  If  she 
came,  as  I  believe  we  all  must  come,  to  Christ 
through  tribulation,  she  bore  the  palm  of  victory  so 
assuredly  that  one  saw  more  of  the  glory  of  con- 
quering than  of  the  pang  of  suffering,  more  of  the 


3^2       MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

strength  of  overcoming  than  of  the  anguish  of  en- 
during, and  thus  realized  the  power  of  reh'gion  to 
put  aside  lets  and  hinderances  and  press  forward  for 
the  prize  of  the  high  calling  which  is  in  our  Lord 
and  Saviour.  I  never  felt  ministrations  so  tender 
and  touching  as  were  hers  to  me ;  and  since  I  was 
a  young  girl  I  have  had  a  most  reverent  and  endur- 
ing affection  for  her,  which  neither  time  nor  separa- 
tion could  in  the  least  diminish,  for  it  has  been  one 
of  the  realities  of  my  life.  And  although  I  may  not 
have  written  to  or  heard  from  her  for  months  per- 
sonally, I  always  knew  my  place  in  her  heart,  and 
that  she  felt  an  abiding  interest  in  me  and  in  my 
temporal  as  well  as  spiritual  welfare. 

The  ample  means  at  E.  P.  Gurney's  disposal  en- 
abled her  largely  to  enjoy  the  luxury  of  doing  good 
as  well  to  the  bodies  as  to  the  souls  of  the  needy, 
and  her  charities,  though  discriminating,  were  widely 
spread.  Rarely  did  she  fail  to  respond  to  the  call  of 
want  or  suffering,  esteeming  herself  as  simply  a 
steward,  not  only  of  the  manifold  grace  of  God  in 
spiritual  things,  but  of  her  abundant  temporal  bless- 
ings, endeavoring  to  administer  wisely  all  the  talents 
committed  to  her  keeping. 

In  person  E.  P.  Gurney  was  somewhat  above  the 
medium  height,  and  remarkably  attractive  in  appear- 


ELIZA  P.  GUKNEY.  3-^3 

ance  and  address.  In  early  life  she  was  of  rather 
slender  frame,  becoming  much  stouter  as  years  ad- 
vanced. A  sprained  ankle,  received  in  jumping 
hastily  from  a  carriage,  caused  a  weakness  from 
which  she  never  fully  recovered,  and  debarred  her 
in  her  latter  years  from  much  intercourse  with  her 
friends,  except  at  her  own  fireside,  where  she  ever 
welcomed  her  numerous  visitors  with  kind  and 
graceful  courtesy. 

Her  naturally  good  constitution  was  now  evi- 
dently showing  the  inroads  of  time.  The  sight  of 
one  eye  had  been  gone  for  many  years,  and  the 
other  partook  of  the  weakness  to  such  an  extent 
that  reading  and  writing,  except  by  the  aid  of  others, 
was  often  interdicted,  and  at  times  impossible.  This 
privation  she  keenly  felt,  the  more  so  from  the  fear 
lest  some  of  her  correspondents  should  fail  fully  to 
comprehend  her  inability  to  respond  as  she  would 
have  wished  to  do,  and  attribute  to  want  of  interest 
the  silence  that  was  unavoidable.  Surrounded  by 
loving  and  devoted  nieces  and  relatives,  all  that 
affection  could  suggest  was  done  to  mitigate  the 
infirmities  of  advancing  age,  and  to  soothe  its  in- 
evitable loneliness. 

During  the  winter  of  1880  she  was  often  missed 
from  her  accustomed  seat  in  meeting.  In  the  follow- 
ing summer  she  was  again  able  to  go  to  the  sea-shore, 

32 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 

but  without  receiving  the  usual  benefit  from  the 
ocean  breezes ;  and  she  returned  for  the  last  time  to 
West  Hill  in  a  condition  of  great  physical  weakness. 
Her  faith  in  her  Redeemer,  "  undimmed  by  doubt, 
undarkened  by  despair,"  sustained  her  through  the 
last  weary  days  of  bodily  trial,  and,  after  about  three 
weeks  of  suffering,  the  end  came,  in  perfect  peace, 
on  the  8th  of  the  Eleventh  month,  1881. 

The  funeral,  which  took  place  at  Friends'  Meet- 
ing-House,  Burlington,  on  the  nth  of  Eleventh 
month,  was  a  time  of  solemnity  not  soon  to  be 
forgotten.  All  classes  of  the  community  seemed 
anxious  to  manifest  their  regard  for  her  memory, 
feeling,  as  was  truthfully  expressed  at  the  time,  that 
she  had  indeed  been  "a  succorer  of  many;"  and  not 
a  few  could  add,  "  and  of  myself  also." 

The  notice  in  the  "  Annual  Monitor,"  already 
quoted,  says,  "  By  a  happy,  undesigned  coincidence 
Richard  Hanbury  Joseph  Gurney,  her  husband's 
youngest  grandson,  with  his  youthful  bride,  the 
granddaughter  of  the  first  Sir  Thomas  Fowell  Bux- 
ton, and  William  Fowler,  M.P.,  one  of  the  nephews 
of  his  second  wife,  all  from  England,  were  present, 
and  added  to  the  interest  of  the  occasion.  Various 
affectionate  testimonies  were  borne  to  the  graces  of 
her  Christian  life  and  the  blessedness  of  her  hope, 
full  of  immortality." 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY.  ^75 

Her  mortal  remains  repose  in  the  quiet  burial- 
ground  attached  to  the  meeting-house,  surrounded 
by  those  of  many  of  her  kindred,  and  of  beloved 
ones  with  whom  she  was  accustomed  to  take  sweet 
counsel,  and  to  go  up  to  the  house  of  God  in 
company. 

"  Looking  for  that  blessed  hope,  and  the  glorious 
appearing  of  the  great  God  and  our  Saviour  Jesus 
Christ."  "  For  if  we  believe  that  Jesus  died  and  rose 
again,  even  so  them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will 
God  bring  with  him." 


376 


MEMOIR  AND  CORRESPONDENCE  OF 


IN  MEMORIAM. 
E.  P.  GURNEY. 
Died  November  8,  1881. 

Fitting  are  sombre  clouds  to-day, 
And  wild  November's  wailing  blast : 
A  noble  soul,  and  true,  hath  passed 

From  earth  away  ! 

Silent  are  lips  that  ne'er  before 
Were  unresponsive  to  our  tears ; 
The  life  and  love  that  blessed  our  years 

For  us  are  o'er. 

Our  steps  are  on  the  withered  leaves ; 

Clouds  are  alike  within,  without ; 

Yea,  sorrows  compass  us  about 
Whom  Death  bereaves. 

But,  oh  !  for  her  who  loved  her  Lord, 
Who  daily  poured  upon  his  feet 
Love's  precious  ointment,  rich  and  sweet. 

Death  is  reward. 

Hush,  hush  these  selfish  tears,  this  woe  : 

Do  ye  not  hear  a  holy  Voice  ? 

"  Ye,  if  ye  loved  me,  would  rejoice 
Because  I  go." 


ELIZA  P.  GURNEY. 

So  would  she  speak  from  that  bright  shore, 
Beyond  Death's  darkly  rolling  tide, 
Where  she  in  glory  shall  abide 

For  evermore. 


377 


F.  M.  Sharpless. 


THE  END. 


